5 Ways to Prepare for Winter

Winter is a time of year that is often associated with more severe symptoms of low mood, anxiety and stress. The days get shorter, it is often raining outside and suddenly you might not feel as inspired to get up in the cold mornings for that jog or be motivated to go out. It is no wonder that symptoms develop or worsen in the Winter months. Here are 5 ways to be prepared for seasonal symptoms and enjoy Winter this year.

1. Keep being active, and take it indoors.

Research consistently shows that staying active is an effective way of reducing mental health symptoms but this becomes more effortful in the cold. If you already play soccer, netball or some other team sport, it might be a good idea to see if there are any indoor teams that you can join. If you usually jog or swim in the mornings but find yourself struggling to get up, it might be good to go along with a friend or join a local club. This accountability will make it more likely that you stay consistent, and keep up your exercise routine. Another option is to have a backup option for when it is raining, like going to your local gym or doing an indoor session of yoga.

2. Take care of your health.

Seasonal illnesses are at their peak in the months of May through to September. This is when the flu is most prevalent and getting sick is more likely. It is a good idea to have plenty of orange juice or other forms of Vitamin C, eat healthy foods that contain a wide range of nutrients and add garlic or turmeric to meals. If you start to develop the first signs of a cold, like a sore throat or runny nose, avoid caffeine or alcohol and make sure that you get plenty of sleep if you can.

3. Be prepared for the end of daylight savings.

If you are in a living in a State or Territory where daylight savings applies, it can come as a rude shock if you are not prepared ahead of time for the shorter days. It is a good idea to mark daylight savings on your calendar or somewhere noticeable, like your fridge, so that you are aware that it is coming months or weeks ahead of time. You can also get prepared by starting to notice the change in seasons - trees losing their leaves, the temperature changing, the migration of birds, sunset colours deepening into cooler tones and the cornflour blue sunrise with dew drops.

4. Appreciate the finer, funner things about Winter.

Winter is not all doom and gloom, and many people love and celebrate this time of year. There are likely to be Winter festivals and events in your local area that are worth researching or marking in your calendar ahead of time. It can also be really fun to snuggle into a warm bed at night, wear comfy slippers, wrap up in a cozy blanket with a hot water bottle or sit by a fire. Then there are all the enjoyable things to eat and drink during winter like a Sunday roast, freshly baked bread, steamed dumplings, hot soup, mulled wine or hot chocolate with marshmallows. Yum!

5. Notice if you drift into a pattern of get up, work, get home, sleep.

Winter is a time when people say they do a lot less because it is too cold, impractical or inconvenient to go out. This is a slippery slope and can mean that gradually, you stop going out as much. Life can become a routine of just getting the essentials done. If you start to notice that your week isn't filled with many enjoyable activities, then this is a sign that having fun has drifted from your life and it is time to start getting back into things that you enjoy again. Sit down with your calendar and book some fun into your week.