My Site Links

FAQ

Get In Touch

Contact Me

To book your FREE 20-minute consultation, please get in touch.

Location

I am based in Frome, Somerset, but also encourage online meetings via Zoom or WhatsApp.

Practical Tips for Not Only Getting Through This COVID Winter Season but Embracing It

4 December 2020

Winter can be a difficult time for many people, affecting both our mood and physical health. However, there are ways to improve our circumstances during this dormant time of year. Here are some ideas I’ve put together for you. I hope they inspire and lift your spirits.

 

Acceptance

First rule: work on the things you can control and put aside the things you can’t.

 

Feel Healthy and Glowing

It gets dark early, and it will rain and be cloudy a lot in winter. Nothing new here. I’ve read and listened to lots of news saying, “Oh no! Winter is coming! Dread, gloom, depression, Christmas is cancelled!” Well, that’s not very helpful.

The mornings are lighter for now, so how about getting up earlier and going for a brisk walk? Do this as often as you can manage. Dress accordingly—maybe it’s time to order some funky wellies, a waterproof jacket, and a jaunty hat. It’s only weather!

Vitamin D3 is essential and, in part, comes from exposure to the sun. Stock up on supplements—they’re cheap and abundant. Vitamin D3 supports your cardiovascular system and bones, keeps your mental health strong, and helps ward off depression.

I saw someone walking into a new tanning studio on my local high street and thought, “What a good idea!” Be careful with your skin, of course. How about getting a few sessions for a light tan during the winter months? Personally, I’m more of a fake-tan girl, and right now, I’m checking out options for a light, natural glow.

 

Exercise

Many of us have put on a few pounds during COVID for various reasons, and winter hibernating can add to that. Don’t beat yourself up about it. When you’re ready, consider eating more healthily and going out for brisk walks during the season.

“It gets dark early!” I hear you cry. Yes, it does. Heard of a torch? Meet up with a friend or two—this meets an important need for friendship. I’m seeing a few walk-and-talk groups starting up, which is brilliant. Could you join one for company and safety in numbers?

 

Remote Working in Winter

A few things to consider:

  • Watch out for your heating and electricity bills.
  • We’re used to spending 10 hours away from home, so bills will rise. Be prepared.
  • Consider providers like Utility Warehouse, or shop around to see if you can save with a new supplier.

Turn off unnecessary lights and keep the temperature at an even level. Layer up! Summer was the time for working in your jockeys. Now’s the time for big socks, jumpers, and joggers. If it’s really cold in your home, fingerless gloves and a beanie won’t go amiss.

Watch out for feelings of isolation. Keep communicating with friends and family. Remember pens and paper? Focusing outward is always a great mental health tip. How happy will your loved ones feel receiving a card or letter in the post? There’s always the phone too—it doesn’t always have to be FaceTime. Ensuring you have no distractions and ample time means you can have meaningful, loving chats. I have two calls planned for later—can’t wait!

 

Combat the Dark with Light

There are gorgeous wake-up alarm clocks with sunrise settings and natural sounds. Philips’ brands seem to be pretty good. Mine has been resting in the wardrobe for two years—this season, I’m definitely going to use it. They’re soothing and clever at helping you feel rested and happy in the morning.

Candles in the evenings create a cosy atmosphere with a natural glow. Enclosing them in glass containers makes the light even softer and keeps you safe too. Time to stock up.

 

Inside/Outside Jobs at Home

You may have done all the jobs during the first lockdown, but there might still be more to do—so get up and get moving! Keeping busy fights boredom, loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

I’ve heard people say they wasted the time they had during lockdown and wished they’d cleared out the garage, done that course, or painted the spare room. No time like the present!

Plan these winter months to freshen up and de-clutter. Add to your skillset—take that course. Maybe learn a language or a musical instrument.

 

Christmas

This year will be different for many of us. We can make Christmas an enjoyable and stress-free experience by accepting that we may not be able to have 14 people around the table or travel far and wide to see friends and relatives.

It’s just for this year (we hope), so what can we do to make it work? Bake, bake, bake! Yellow piccalilli, delicious chutneys, and jams. Fill the freezer with homemade pies and tasty treats. Spend time deciding what you’ll eat over the festive period and how to decorate your house.

Your kids don’t want to hear moans and groans or see miserable faces. Make plans for celebrating Christmas in a way that works, knowing it’ll be different. Think of others instead of expensive gifts. Make a plan for people you need to call regularly over the holidays. Could you do some voluntary work locally? How can you contribute to feeding kids over the school holidays? Could you make soup or sandwiches?

 

Make a Gratitude List

The other day, I had tough clients, a sixth cancellation of a meet-up, a postponed client visit, a sad talk with my mum in a care home—and then I turned on the news. That nearly sent me diving under my duvet for a week.

The news is pretty rotten right now, and watching too much of it might not be the best course of action. I’m going to limit my exposure to negative media coverage.

Each day, or once a week, I look at the things that have gone well and note them in my bullet journal (search Ryder Carroll). It’s surprising how many things make me smile. Here are a few from this week:

  • My cat tearing from room to room for no apparent reason
  • My 6’6” son almost suffocating me with one of his hugs
  • A week of rainbows and glorious sunsets
  • The sound of rain on the conservatory roof
  • A big thank-you from a satisfied client
  • My mum telling me how much she loves me
  • Hilarious comedy that had me in tears of laughter

 

Get Ready. Be Happy.

Stock up on your favourite music, films, and TV shows. Sort through photo albums or print off photos from your phone. Take a trip to Hobbycraft to make your own Christmas cards, or buy a puzzle, Airfix model, or craft project. Download an audiobook you’ve always wanted to listen to (I’m enjoying 10 hours of Jamaica Inn narrated by Tony Britton).

Winter comes every year. This year we also have COVID—it’s serious and scary, but we can make the most of what we’ve got and do our best to enjoy the next few months, even when we get bad news.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and fulfilling winter.

Sally x