Winter wellness: making the most of the last weeks of winter
Published:
July 17, 2024
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We are past the winter solstice, the days are getting longer, and there’s a touch of spring about. Daffodils might be popping up in some parts of the country, however, we’re not out of the cold depths of winter yet.
For many of us, winter is a time to hibernate. To hunker down inside and look forward to the warmer months ahead. Why not flip that thinking and focus instead on enjoying the winter months. Here we take a look at the Five Ways to Wellbeing model from the Mental Health Foundation to see how we can use it to make the most of the last weeks of winter.
Wrap up and get moving
When it’s frosty outside, it can be a challenge to move your body. The couch and Netflix seem so much more inviting at this time of year. However, our mental health greatly benefits from being physically active so it’s important we motivate ourselves to keep moving.
The good news is being active isn’t about how many gym classes you can attend, it is simply about moving your body in whatever way feels good to you. It’s generally recommended for adults to aim for at least 30 minutes of movement a day. This could be walking, swimming, playing sport with friends, or even gardening.
It’s a real plus if you can wrap up warmly and get active in the outdoors. Being in nature is also beneficial for our mental health so it’s a great combo if you can combine the two. There can be something quite magical about those crisp cold and clear winter days, perfect for a brisk walk at your local park.
Connect with friends and whānau
‘It’s cold out, do I want to leave the house?’
Just like we pause being active in winter, it can be tempting to stop socialising. To put a pause on catching up with friends and whānau until it’s a bit warmer out. But we humans are social beings. Having meaningful connections with others is vital to our wellbeing. Strong relationships form part of our sense of belonging and sense of self – they’re part of who we are as people.
The key to maintaining your relationships during winter is to focus on the outcome. Yes, it is cold out and there’s a new show on Netflix, but how good will it feel to catch up with your favourite sibling, a great colleague, or your best mate? Put your energy into relationships that leave you feeling valued. Spend time with people who fill your cup and you know you’ll leave feeling happier and more grounded.
Enjoy the little things
When we’re focusing on the parts of the season we don’t like, it can be hard to see the good things around us. The small things can make a big difference in boosting our mood and lowering stress levels. Being present in the moment, taking time to notice the world, and acknowledging our thoughts and feelings can help us to appreciate things and feel good about ourselves.
Something that can help you to notice the little things as a grounding exercise we use in some of our workshops. The 5-4-3-2-1 activity uses your senses to purposely notice your surroundings. This increased sensory awareness can help you relax and move beyond a difficult time.
At each step notice small things your mind would normally tune out:
5 Look at five things you can see in the room and note their detail.
4 Name four things you can feel.
3 Name three things you can hear. Listen for distant sounds.
2 Name two things you can smell. Try to notice smells in the air around you.
1 Name one thing you can taste. Or instead, name one thing you are grateful for.
Donate, if you’re in a position to do so
There is no denying, it is tough out there for many people. People across the motu are struggling to put food on the table, warm their homes, or are worried about their job security. If you’re lucky enough to be in a secure position and have the means to do so, consider donating to organisations supporting people who are having a hard time or choose a charity close to your heart.
Not only will this make a difference to those organisations, but it’s been proven that giving is good for our own mental health and wellbeing. This could be donating money, volunteering or performing random acts of kindness. Helping others gives us purpose and a sense of being part of something bigger than just ourselves. It’s a win-win, really.
Treat yourself to delicious winter warmer drinks
Who doesn’t love a hot drink on a chilly winter’s day? There is something so comforting about coming in from the cold and wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of goodness. Your standard cup of tea or instant coffee doesn’t always cut it as a winter treat so here are some new winter warmer drinks to try.
The fifth Way to Wellbeing is to keep learning. this isn’t just about formal education, but being curious about the world around us. Trying new things, learning new skills and having new experiences.
What better way to do this than by following a new recipe to make some delicious, non-alcoholic beverages to keep you warm? Here are a few favourites to get you started, thanks to the team at Living Sober.
Blackcurrant toddy
This is a delicious warming concoction, perfect for when you’re feeling unwell or in need of a hug in a mug. This drink is seriously delicious, warming and soothing with a lovely delicate spicy hum that lingers after you have finished it.
Ingredients
1/2 cup blackcurrant fruit syrup
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
3 cups water
6 whole cloves
6 cardamom pods
1/4 tsp mixed spice
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cinnamon sticks
1 slice of orange or lemon
Method
- Place all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Serve in your favourite mug.
Pumpkin spiced latte
This lovely drink is warm and spicy, with just a hint of pumpkin flavour.
Ingredients (for 4 big mugs worth)
4 cups milk of your choice
1 cup coffee (option to use decaf)
4 tbsp pumpkin puree
3 tbsp honey or another sweetener
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
Whipped cream (optional)
Method
- Place all ingredients into a pot over a low heat.
- Whisk to combine.
- Turn the heat up slowly until the liquid is steaming hot.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream (if using) and an extra shake of cinnamon.
Health tea
Sometimes, when the going gets tough and you don’t feel like you’re firing on all cylinders, it’s time for some warm and soothing homemade tea.
Ingredients
4 cups of water
1 red apple sliced into quarters
2 cinnamon sticks
8 whole cloves
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
1 lemon honey (to taste)
Method
- Place all ingredients aside from the lemon and honey into a pot.
- Slice half the lemon thinly and add it to the pot.
- Squeeze the juice from the other half of the lemon into the mixture.
- Bring to a boil then lower the heat, cover and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain into a mug.
- Stir in honey to sweeten (if desired).
Learn more with Stress, Resilience & Wellbeing
Blueprint for Learning’s Stress, Resilience & Wellbeing workshop can help you find more ways to deal with life’s challenges, with the skills to reduce high-stress levels, build resilience and manage your mental health and wellbeing.
Where to get help
You are not alone. If you or someone you know is having a hard time this winter, there are many organisations, websites and other resources in Aotearoa New Zealand that can help support people and their whānau and friends. The following lists provide a good starting point. 1737 is also available to free call or text any time, 24 hours a day.
