Ways to keep your spirits up

Winter can be a tough time. Shorter days and bad weather can make it much more difficult to get out and about – and you might find your mood is lower, too. But there are things you can do to feel better.

Stay connected

You might be choosing to meet up in person less often this winter – but a phone call or video call with a loved one can make a huge difference to how we feel.

Whether it's just picking up the phone when you fancy a chat, or making it a regular part of your routine, it's important to stay connected.

Find out more about how to make video calls

Keep moving and eat well

Being active – even just a little bit – is proven to help give your mood a boost. A quick walk down the street, a dance around the kitchen or a satisfying stretch in bed or a chair are all good pick-me-ups. Our being active section can help you find an activity that suits you. 

Keep an eye on your appetite. If you're finding it difficult to cook and manage big meals, try eating what you fancy little and often. Something is better than nothing. It's important to get enough energy and nutrients in your diet to avoid malnutrition. 

Find out more about malnutrition on the Malnutrition Task Force website

If we move more and eat well, it can also help to reduce falls and maintain mobility. Do what you can, and if you're concerned, speak to a healthcare professional. 

Do something you enjoy every day

Lots of people find a daily routine helpful. A sense of consistency can help us build up good habits.

You don’t have to map out whole days – just having regular times to do things like get up, have a cup of tea or prepare food, and a small task to do each day can make all the difference.

It's important to include things you enjoy in your day and make them part of your routine. Is there an old hobby you used to enjoy that you could pick up again? Are there any books you've been meaning to read or films that have caught your eye?

If you're not feeling very motivated to do things, you're not alone. You might find that you start to enjoy things more as you get more into the habit of doing them. But if you've been feeling low for some time then it's a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional about how you’re feeling.

Reach out when things are feeling tough

Lots of things can leave us feeling anxious and worried – whether it's to do with our personal lives or things that are happening around the world. It's important to remember that you're not alone in feeling this way.

If you’ve been feeling down for a while and it’s stopping you from doing the things that matter, making you feel listless or like you don’t have any energy, you don’t have to go through it alone.

Talk to friends or family, and if things have been this way for a while or are starting to worry yourself or those around you, speak to a healthcare professional. Healthcare services are still here for you, and it’s important to get support when you need it.

The development of this information was supported by an educational grant from Seqirus.