10 Ways to Look After Your Mental Health This Winter

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, many of us feel the shift not just in the weather but in our wellbeing. Winter can be a season of cosy evenings and festive celebration. But it can also bring extra pressure, loneliness, and emotional fatigue. Christmas, often comes wrapped in expectations: to be joyful, social, organised, generous, grateful, and endlessly energetic.

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If winter or Christmas feels heavy for you, you’re not alone. Here are some gentle, practical ways to take care of your mental health during the colder months and the festive season.

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1. Acknowledge Your Feelings (Whatever They Are)

You don’t have to feel joyful simply because it’s Christmas. Maybe you’re tired, grieving, overwhelmed, or just not feeling festive. All of that is valid. Allowing yourself to feel what you feel is healthier than forcing happiness. Give yourself permission to opt out of traditions that don’t support you.

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2. Keep a Routine (Even a Simple One)

Winter’s shorter days can disrupt our natural rhythms. A steady routine - waking, eating, moving, resting at regular times - helps keep your mood stable. Even small habits like opening the curtains early, stepping outside for fresh air, or having a consistent bedtime can make a noticeable difference.

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3. Prioritise Daylight and Movement

Sunlight is limited in winter, and that can affect energy and mood. Try to get outside each day, even if it’s cloudy. A short walk around your block or a few minutes in your garden counts. Movement doesn’t have to be a workout - stretching, dancing in your kitchen, or gentle yoga are all great.

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4. Set Healthy Boundaries

Christmas can overload your social calendar and your emotional bandwidth. It’s okay to say:

• “I’m not able to make it this year.”
• “Let’s keep it low-key.”
• “I need some downtime.”

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Boundaries protect your energy. You’re allowed to look after yourself, including during the holidays.

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5. Spend Meaningful Time, Not Obligatory Time

Surrounding yourself with people who nourish you, whether that’s family, friends, or your chosen community, can make winter feel warmer. And if you’re spending Christmas alone or with limited connections, that’s okay too. Virtual catchups, community events, volunteering, or simply treating yourself kindly can bring a sense of connection.

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6. Manage Christmas Pressures (Finances, Gifts, Expectations)

It’s easy to feel weighed down by financial strain or the pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday. Instead of striving for “bigger and better,” try shifting towards:

• Simple gifts or handmade treats
• Budget-friendly plans
• Low-pressure gatherings
• Experiences instead of things
• Use your National Disability Card to get discounts

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What matters most is presence, not perfection.

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7. Eat and Rest with Kindness

Winter invites comfort food and slower days. Rather than judging yourself for what you eat or how active you are, try to tune into what your body genuinely needs. Rest is productive. Nourishment is self-care. Balance will return naturally when consistency and compassion lead the way.

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8. Create Pockets of Joy

Small pleasures can brighten even the darkest days:

• Lighting a candle
• Watching a favourite film
• Listening to music you love
• Making a warm drink
• Reading something cosy
• Doing a craft or hobby
  
  

These moments might be small, but they can carry you gently through the season.

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9. Limit Overwhelm from News and Social Media

Winter can amplify stress, and constant scrolling often makes it worse. Consider muting accounts that drain you, setting time limits, or taking social media-free evenings. Focus on what nourishes your mind, not what depletes it.

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10. Reach Out if You Need Support

Talking to someone - a friend, family member, or mental health professional - can make a huge difference. If winter feels especially tough or if you’re struggling to cope, getting support is a strength, not a weakness.

If you’re in immediate distress, please reach out to your local mental health helpline or emergency services.