Preparing for a vibrant and healthy winter...whatever the weather
5 Tips to Find Resilience, Wellbeing, and Joy in the winter season!
For many women in the messy middle of life, winter can feel like a particularly challenging season. The shorter days, colder weather, and extra demands—whether from work, family, or simply the holiday season—can exacerbate feelings of stress, overwhelm, and even depression. If you're struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) along with the pressures of modern life, you're not alone.
Here are five practical tips to help you find more joy and calm this winter:
1. Prioritize Self-Care: Make It Non-Negotiable
It’s easy to put yourself last, especially when you're juggling multiple responsibilities. But to manage stress, beat the winter blues, and take care of others, you must first care for yourself. Prioritizing self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Try carving out at least 15-20 minutes each day just for you. Whether it’s reading, meditating, taking a bath, or listening to your favorite music, those small acts of self-nourishment can help reset your mind and body.
Consider adding practices like yoga or mindfulness meditation to your routine. These have been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mood, helping you stay balanced when winter challenges your resilience. If you're new to meditation, apps like, Insight Timer, Calm or Headspace can guide you through simple techniques that fit easily into your day.
2. Embrace Natural Light—Get Outside, Even on Grey Days
One of the most impactful ways to combat SAD is to increase your exposure to natural light. Winter days might be short, but getting outside, even when it's overcast, can do wonders for your mood. Try to step outside during the brightest part of the day, whether that means a quick walk at lunchtime or spending time by a sunny window with your morning coffee.
If you can’t get outside enough, consider investing in a light therapy lamp, which mimics natural sunlight and has been proven to reduce symptoms of SAD. Even 20 minutes of light therapy in the morning can make a significant difference.
3. Practice Saying "No"—Reduce Overwhelm by Simplifying
Many women feel a deep sense of responsibility to take care of others, but saying "yes" to too many commitments can lead to burnout, especially during the holiday season. Give yourself permission to say "no" more often. Set boundaries that protect your time and energy.
In the last few years I”ve been SO much more conscious of not overcommitting in December, when I also have multiple family birthdays, as well as the festive season to manage.
Simplify your schedule by focusing on what truly matters to you. If hosting a big holiday event feels overwhelming, consider downsizing or asking others for help. Streamlining your obligations gives you more mental space to enjoy the season instead of just surviving it.
4. Move Your Body Daily—Boost Your Mood and Energy
This what works the best for me. Physical activity is one of the best ways to relieve stress and combat feelings of depression or low energy, but finding motivation to exercise during winter can be tough. The trick is to keep it simple and flexible. You don’t need a hardcore workout to feel the benefits.
I aim to make a commitment to myself the night before and get my clothes, or swimming kit, ready so I’ve got no excuse.
Even a 20-minute walk, some gentle stretching, or dancing to your favorite music can boost endorphins—the body’s natural mood enhancers. If the cold keeps you indoors, consider online exercise videos tailored to your level, like yoga, Pilates, or even low-impact aerobic routines. Exercise doesn’t just keep your body healthy—it gives your mind a break from stress and helps regulate your mood.
5. Nourish Your Body—and Mind—with Comfort Foods
Winter cravings are real, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about enjoying seasonal comfort foods. Our brains are wired to see additional sugars I the winter months, to help us get through the less abundant times of the year (although this is no longer the case!).
Instead, focus on nourishing your body with meals that are both satisfying and energizing. Think warm, hearty soups, roasted vegetables, and protein-rich stews that support your health and well-being.
At the same time, watch your intake of sugar and processed foods, which can exacerbate mood swings. Balance is key—allow yourself the pleasure of indulging in a cozy treat while keeping an eye on foods that support stable energy levels and mental clarity. And don’t forget to hydrate—dehydration can contribute to fatigue and irritability, even in cold weather.
Honestly, I think I need a daily reminder to drink more water from myself, as it makes such a difference to afternoon energy.
Final Thoughts: Finding Joy and Balance in Winter Winter doesn’t have to be something you just endure. By implementing small, mindful changes into your routine, you can better manage the stress, overwhelm, and mood challenges that come with the colder months. Whether it’s through self-care, light exposure, movement, or simply allowing yourself to say no when needed, you have the tools to make this season more joyful and nurturing for your mind, body, and soul.
You deserve to enjoy the winter months with ease, balance, and maybe even a little sparkle!
And if you’d like some help with creating your own personal strategy for a more vibrant and energetic winter, why not book one of my power hours? We’ll create your own vision for what a healthy and happy winter looks like and find the key actions to get you there.
What’s not to love?
Book by 7th October to get this for just £99.