Winter can be difficult to get through for a lot of people. We have less daylight, it’s colder, and the weather is generally less pleasant than what we get in the summer months. If you’re feeling the January blues and need some inspiration to get outside and have an adventure, look no further.
Here are five activities you can try to get you out of that winter funk and into the swing of things.
Forest bathing
Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing or absorbing the forest atmosphere) was a term that appeared in Japan in the 1980s. Forest bathing had two purposes: to offer an eco-antidote to the tech-boom burnout experienced by millions, and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the Japanese forests. Plants are known for releasing phytoncides which have been proven to improve mood and immunity when we breathe them in. If you spend just 2 hours in a forest with evergreen trees in winter, you can feel the uplifting effects of phytoncides for up to 30 days.
Wild swimming
If you’re looking for something a bit more invigorating, you could try winter wild swimming. Make sure you’ve got the right safety equipment, such as a wetsuit, neoprene gloves and socks, and a hi-vis tow float/swim cap if you’re swimming where people are likely to be using watercrafts. A tow float is also fantastic for having a rest if you get tired whilst swimming. If you’re not a strong swimmer, try having a wild dip in a shallow tarn or pool. You can still feel all the benefits of taking a dip without having to actually swim!
Hiking
Getting outdoors is important year-round but more so in the colder months. We get much less sunlight, so it’s important for your mental health to get out and soak up as much winter sun as you can. Lace up your hiking boots and head out into the hills to get that all-important vitamin D. Just feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin can be an incredible mood boost, which helps to keep those January blues at bay.
Take a break
If you’re feeling a bit snowed under, why not take a break? Breaking away from your everyday routine can help you to feel refreshed and renewed. If you need more green in your life you could head into the hills to one of our rural locations, or you could embark on a coastal escape to feel truly invigorated by the salt air. If a city break is more your jam, you can shop til you drop when booking a stay at one of our many city centre accommodations. Whether you’re more interested in historical cities, or city centres with a reputable nightlife, YHA have got it all.
Stick to a schedule
If you find yourself sleeping more than usual but you’re still exhausted, it might help to try and stick to a schedule. We tend to produce a lot more melatonin (the sleep hormone) in winter, and even though you may be sleeping soundly, it can make you feel more tired than usual due to oversleeping. Try and set an alarm to get up at the same time every day and set one for putting your phone down in the evening, at least an hour before you go to bed.
If you’re having a mental health crisis, these services offer confidential support from trained volunteers. You can talk about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how difficult it may be:
Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: [email protected] for a reply within 24 hours
If you’d rather not talk on the phone, text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line.
Alternatively, text “YM” if you’re under 19
If you’re under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.
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