Winter can be a challenging time of year due to reduced daylight, temperature changes, exacerbation of health conditions, increase in seasonal illnesses, money worries, pressure of the festive season, loneliness, thinking about loved ones you have lost and lots more reasons. It is therefore so important to be kind to yourself and look after your health and wellbeing.

We have put together some top tips to help support your wellbeing:

  1. Importance of self-care and enjoying small moments throughout the day – it can be harder to motivate ourselves to do the positive things we normally do for our health & wellbeing such as exercise, but it’s so important to continue with physical activity and all forms of self-care to support your wellbeing. Try to make time every day to do something you enjoy, even if only for 10 minutes. Getting enough vitamin D is challenging in Winter so try going for a morning or lunchtime walk to get some daylight exposure and taking a vitamin D supplement is useful. Some people experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – see the resources section below for further information and advice.
  2. Don’t put pressure on yourself for the festive season - it’s ok if you need your own space, you want to do things your way and you don’t like the fuss of Christmas.
  3. Connect with others - at work, home and in your community, social connection is so important for your mental wellbeing. Discuss how you are feeling with others, talk about any concerns you have and support each other, including colleagues, line managers etc. Talking about things can make you feel a bit better and that you are not alone, plus you may learn some good tips from others.
  4. Attend some of the People Experience team’s health & wellbeing activities and have a look at the links to resources (see below): we are running various webinars on Winter wellbeing topics throughout January.
  5. Access support when you need it – see the support services section below.

 

Upcoming webinars:

7th January, 12-1pm - Immune system support:

  • This session looks at how we can support our immune system. We focus on stress and inflammation and how we can self-help our immune system, particularly during the winter months.
  • Link to book

15th January, 12-1pm - Winter hydration:

  • This session explores the link between hydration and immune system support. We also look at the link between sleep, hydration and our immune system and provide you with some lovely ideas for hydration during winter.
  • Link to book

22nd January, 1-2pm - Sleeping better in the Winter:

  • Unveiling the science behind Winter's influence on sleep patterns
  • Navigating common sleep challenges in the colder months
  • Implementing practical strategies for optimal winter sleep
  • Addressing reduced light exposure to improve sleep quality
  • Q&A
  • Link to book

The North East & Yorkshire Leadership Academy are also running various sessions about Winter wellbeing - link to book

 

Useful Resources:

General winter wellbeing:

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):

Grief:

Loneliness:

Festive wellbeing:

Recipes for healthy hot drinks including hot chocolate:

 

Support services & apps:

  • Vivup 24/7 SY Mental Health hub – call 0330 380 0658. Offers confidential 24/7 in the moment support and fast track access to counselling for personal & work-related issues. Self-help resources also available on website - LINK
  • Free apps for NHS staff - e.g. Headspace (mindfulness & meditation), Unmind (mental health platform)