Dougal Sutherland: Keeping mentally well in winter

A lot of us get “the blues” during winter or feel a little down – for some people this is a more serious disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder where periods of depression are strongly linked to winter seasons – although interestingly there must be more to it than simply levels of light/winter weather as it’s not so common in people living in polar regions. 

Tips for keeping mentally well over winter: 

• Keep doing the basics: 
• Try and get some daylight each day, especially if you’re leaving for work in the dark and coming home in the dark 
• Keep up your exercise 
• Keep your sleep in good patterns 

Kiwis are pretty oriented towards the outdoors and getting out and about, which is more difficult in winter. Maybe rather than trying to fight the winter weather, learn to embrace it – like the Danish concept of “Hygge” where they relish and make the most of winter – think sitting inside toasting marshmallows, having people over for candlelit dinners inside after cooking up a big winter feast, cosying up with a good book on a rainy afternoon etc. 

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