Wellbeing @ Selby High

Autumn & Winter Wellbeing Tips

As the temperature drops and the evenings draw in, autumn and winter can be a difficult time for many. We have some top tips for feeling fine and staying healthy during the autumn and winter months. These tips aim to provide a quick reminder of the things we can all do to stay happy through the wintertime and during the festive season.

Get comfy and cosy - Enjoy snuggling in some comfy pyjamas under a warm blanket. Use some fairy lights or LED candles for a cosy glow, put your favourite film or TVG show on and get the hot chocolate and warm popcorn ready!

Eat well - As the weather turns colder it can be tempting to comfort eat the wrong sorts of food. Try to stick to healthy food packed with the nutrients you need to stay well and fight off the winter germs. The odd treat now and then is definitely fine though!

Move your body - Physical activity is great for your overall wellbeing, including your mood. Find an activity you enjoy that you can do during autumn and winter, whether that's biking through crisp leaves, walking in the rain or yoga in your warm, dry bedroom or living room.

Stay connected - The winter months can feel lonely for some and many people tend to stay indoors as it gets colder and darker. Connecting with others is vital for positive mental wellbeing so make those connections in different ways to suit the season. Chat on the phone, send someone a card or join an online group.

Rest enough - Don't forget how important sleep is for our wellbeing. Often if we're pushed for time or feeling stressed it can negatively affect our sleep. A relaxing bedtime routine can help such as a warm bath and reading in bed under a lower light.

Make space for you - The winter months can feel hectic with the run-up to Christmas, finding time to see family and friends and fitting school and homework in around it all. Make sure you take time for something that gives you headspace, such as a walk in nature or listening to your favourite music or podcasts.

Write it down - Keeping a journal can be a great way to explore and organise our thoughts. It can help us plan our day, express gratitude and understand our worries and feelings. Autumn and winter are also good times to think about future goals and prepare for the new year, so why not get a notebook or find a journal app and get writing?

Embrace the season - It can be easy to focus on the things we don't like about winter, such as the cold, rain and darker evenings. Instead, try to find little things to enjoy about this time of year. Whether it's the beautiful autumn colours, frosty mornings, Christmas lights or the chance to enjoy a cosy evening indoors, looking for the positives can help lift your mood.

Get some daylight - With shorter days and darker mornings, we don't always get as much natural daylight during winter. Try to spend a little time outside during daylight hours, even if it's just a short walk or some fresh air at lunchtime. Wrap up warm, enjoy the change of scenery and make the most of the natural light.

Be kind to yourself - It's perfectly normal to feel a little less motivated or energetic during the colder, darker months. Don't be too hard on yourself if you're not feeling quite your usual self. Recognise how you're feeling, give yourself permission to take things at your own pace and think about small things you can do to make each day feel a little brighter.

Try something different - Winter doesn't mean you have to stop enjoying yourself! If the weather makes some of your usual activities more difficult, think about alternatives. Meet a friend somewhere warm, visit a museum, try a new indoor hobby or do something creative. Finding new things to look forward to can make the winter months feel much more enjoyable.

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