Feeling down? Try these tricks to tackle the winter blues

Many of us suffer with the winter blues or SAD.

In fact, it’s estimated that as many as one in three of us struggle with low emotions this time of year.

It’s understandable that our mood can be as bleak as the weather, especially so after the year we’ve had.

The skies are grey, post-Christmas money might be tight and the light still fades from the day before we’ve even finished work.

You’re definitely not alone if you’re feeling lethargic, low and just a little bit meh. If your mood is dropping as quickly as the thermometer, these helpful tricks could help to lift you out of that winter slump.

Stimulate your mind

Lack of new stimuli; seeing the same people day in day out or not seeing people at all for days on end will contribute to sadness and a feeling of restlessness.

If you’re not experiencing anything new, the negative thoughts have nothing to interrupt them.

Do something you’ve never done before to stimulate your mind and give it something new to focus on.

Websites such as Skillshare or Udemy offer an affordable online learning subscription for people who want to learn a new skill or talent from home and give your brain something new to focus on.

Go social media free

The temptation to judge your life by comparing it to a stranger on the internet can cause dissatisfaction and contribute to your low mood.

Try to stay offline once a week and reconnect with old hobbies you used to love or decorate that room you’ve been putting off.

If you’re not ready to quit the internet cold turkey, curate your feed to bring you inspiration and joy from other’s photos, and unfollow the accounts that make you feel a bit miserable.

Notice how you feel when you come away from scrolling – if it causes negativity then un-follow or mute accounts that make you feel that way.

Practice gratitude

It’s sometimes hard to find things to be happy about at the moment but noticing joy in the little things has proven benefits for mental wellbeing.

Each night before bed, sit and write down three things that made you smile that day. Ask the people in your family to share theirs with you too.

Simple things like enjoying your morning coffee hot and not lukewarm or that the spring bulbs are beginning to emerge from the icy soil can start to add up.

Seek out joy in the small moments of your day and watch them snowball.

Stick to a routine

If you’re furloughed or working from home, the habit of going to bed later and later, being sucked into just one more episode of the latest bingeworthy boxset because you don’t have an alarm calling for you at the crack of dawn, can cause disruption to your daily schedule.

Routine is key to maintaining a good balance and keeping you rested and energised for the next day.

Sleep is vital, and it’s worth having a bedtime and waking up at the same time each morning.

Aim for seven to nine hours per night and keep away from caffeine after 6pm and screens for at least 40 mins before you hit the pillow.

Give yourself permission to have down days

We can’t be positive all the time – especially when faced with a pandemic.

So, allow yourself to feel low. Put on some cosy PJ’s, snuggle up with a blanket and have a good cry. Let go of the feelings that have been weighing you down. Mother yourself like you would do an upset child. Then pick yourself back up and strive for a positive day the next day.

Stay in touch with loved ones

It’s really important not to hide away and hibernate when that’s all you want to do.

Stay socially active – at a distance – and keep in touch with loved ones.

If a friend has gone quiet check in on them. You never know the difference it could make to you both.

I hope these tips can help you beat the winter blues. If your mood is moving more towards depression make sure you speak with your GP to discuss how you’re feeling and find out more about treatment options available.

Don’t forget to head over to my blog, my YouTube channel and Instagram for daily money saving advice, tips and hacks for living your best life on a budget.

For more money-saving advice as well as chat about cash and alerts on deals and discounts, join Metro.co.uk’s Facebook group, Money Pot.

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