As the days grow shorter and the mercury plummets, the chilly embrace of winter can leave even the cheeriest among us feeling a bit frosty. But before you resign yourself to months of hibernation and gloom, take heart! We’ve gathered wisdom from a team of experts to help you not only weather the winter, but emerge from it with your mood, health, and home intact. Prepare to transform the season from dreadful to delightful with these 54 tried-and-true tips.
Shift Your Mindset
While it’s tempting to blame the winter blues on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), psychologist Kari Leibowitz urges caution. “SAD is a subtype of clinical depression,” she explains. “Beyond that, people fall into two categories: those who feel more down in the winter, and those who are having a very normal, healthy response to a change in daylight.” Leibowitz suggests tuning into your body’s natural rhythms and giving yourself permission to slow down and rest more.
Another key to winter well-being? Gentle socializing. “In winter, I do more low-energy gatherings,” says Leibowitz. “If I’m making a big pot of stew, it’s easy to make it for a few extra people.” And if you’re feeling more hermit than social butterfly, make staying in an indulgence, not a punishment.
Find New Ways to Have Fun
When the weather outside is frightful, Leibowitz recommends asking yourself what things are actually more fun because of the weather. “Maybe going to the pub for a roast with friends, maybe reading, painting or baking. Rather than saying, ‘I’m stuck inside because it’s raining,’ say, ‘These are the things I get to do because it’s raining’.”
Find and create light. Morning light can be particularly beneficial for your sleep/wake cycle, so try to get outside in the morning, even if briefly, or sit next to windows if you are stuck indoors.
Dr. Emma Hepburn, clinical psychologist
Get Outside!
Tempted to cocoon indoors until spring? Resist the urge, urges Linda Akeson McGurk, author of There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather. She recommends a bit of outdoor play every day, no matter the forecast. Not sure what to do? “Follow your child’s lead,” says McGurk. “Younger children enjoy stomping in puddles, digging canals in the dirt or making mud pies.”
And when the flakes start flying, the fun is just beginning. Aside from the classic sledding, McGurk suggests snow-based scavenger hunts: “Follow animal tracks in the snow – see how many you can find and try to work out what has left which tracks. You can also pack up some tasty food and hot drinks for a winter picnic.”
Bolster Your Health
To keep energy levels high, dietitian Priya Tew recommends focusing on diversity. “Plan as many plant foods and colours into your meals as you can,” she advises, adding that “wholegrains such as couscous, quinoa, wholemeal bread, oats and brown rice and pasta can provide great sources of energy.” Tew also stresses the importance of vitamin D supplementation during the winter months.
Battling a perma-cold? Immunologist Dr Jenna Macciochi has a plan: “Hydration is essential; warm teas with honey, ginger and lemon can be soothing, while using a humidifier can add moisture to the air and help ease respiratory symptoms.” She also recommends zinc lozenges if taken within the first 24 hours of symptoms, and prioritizing rest to help your body recover.
Get Cozy at Home
Creating a warm, welcoming environment is key to surviving winter with your spirit intact. Take a cue from the Scandinavians and eschew harsh overhead lighting in favor of low, twinkly lights and candles. “It’s such a pleasant vibe in which to eat dinner, do chores, hang out with your kids, and it’s only possible in the winter,” notes Leibowitz.
When it comes to staying toasty, Thomasina Miers, a recipe writer and restaurateur, turns to the power of the stove. Her go-to winter warmers? A squash and pasta soup with fried sage leaves and a spicy Ethiopian lentil and spinach number. And don’t forget the warming beverages! Miers recommends a hot toddy “with honey, lemon, a generous slug of whiskey” and a soul-soothing hot chocolate made with raw cacao and a hint of cinnamon.
Pamper Your Skin
Winter can wreak havoc on your skin, but a few strategic swaps can help you weather the season. For those prone to rosacea flare-ups, Dr Anjali Mahto advises using a “mild, fragrance-free cleanser” and a “hydrating moisturiser to combat dryness.” Sun protection is still a must, so opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
Plagued by parched, flaky skin? “Layering moisturising products can help,” says beauty expert Anita Bhagwandas. Start with a hydrating serum (look for hyaluronic acid), then follow with a rich moisturizer. Bhagwandas recommends products containing skin-quenching ceramides, like CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion. And don’t forget your kisser! Gently exfoliate chapped lips with a damp flannel or a dedicated lip scrub before slicking on a heavy-duty balm.
Keep Pets Safe and Snug
Our furry friends feel winter’s sting too. For dogs that like to romp in the great outdoors, veterinarian Michael Lazaris recommends booties or paw balm to protect tender tootsies from ice and snow. When the mercury really plummets, it’s best to keep walks short. Lazaris’ rule of thumb? “If it’s too cold for you to be outside, it’s probably too cold for your dog.”
And while a cozy fire is one of winter’s great pleasures, it can spell danger for pets. Antifreeze, which many animals find irresistible, is extremely toxic. “Even a few drops can cause kidney failure in a cat,” cautions Lazaris, “so store it safely and clean up any spillages straight away.”
Find Your Winter Style
Just because the days are dreary doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to be. Jess Cartner-Morley, The Guardian’s fashion editor, believes that the right outerwear can be a real mood-booster. “A chic, elegant, fabulous [coat] will do as much for your wellbeing as a flu shot. I love Marks & Spencer’s checked longline trench coat with wool.”
No one outfit will work for every moment, but key accessories will save your sanity.
Jess Cartner-Morley
Cartner-Morley’s winter survival kit includes “a waterproof scarf with integral hood” for dashing through downpours and a pair of “sturdy, smart shoes that you can run from the bus to a meeting in.” Styling editor Melanie Wilkinson sings the praises of sleek-yet-practical Chelsea boots and a trusty umbrella: “My wet-weather game was hugely improved last year when my partner bought me an umbrella from London Undercover. Sturdy, compact enough to fit in my bag and easily spotted thanks to the neon strap, it hasn’t blown inside-out once.”
Above All, Be Kind to Yourself
Ultimately, thriving during winter is about adjusting your expectations and honoring your body’s natural rhythms. “It’s only 124 days until spring,” reminds Leibowitz. Until then, slow down, cozy up, and take each day as it comes. With a little compassion and perspective, you just might find some beauty in the bleak midwinter.
