How to stay positive this autumn and winter

Autumn is here, no doubt about it. And as the days get shorter and the temperature drops, it’s often harder to keep the mood light and positive compared to the sunny summer months.

Colder, longer evenings mean that many of us spend more time at home, becoming less active and less sociable too. And if your child has just started school, or flown the nest to go to university, there may be an empty nest to cope with too.

Whatever your personal situation and even if you’re suffering from depression, we have some useful advice on how to maximise your positive energy and keep your spirits up during this time of year.

Get out more

Rather than being home alone, it’s important to connect socially, particularly during this time of year. Keep in touch with your friends and organise social meet-ups or activities you can all enjoy together. Why not join a book club, organise a dinner party or go on a girls’ night out? Try Skype or Facetime to stay in touch with distant friends.

Enjoy the great outdoors

Whatever the weather, there’s nothing like getting outside to blow the cobwebs away and improve your mind set. Go for a long walk, perhaps with friends or family, and take the children and the dog too. Reconnect with the beauty of nature while you replenish your mental energies.

Get some exercise

Regular exercise will raise your physical energy levels and is also a known mood lifter, helping to release stress and inner tension, and any anxieties you may be experiencing. During physical activity, your body releases endorphins – chemicals that trigger positive feelings.

Learn something new

Why not explore your creativity and start a new hobby this autumn? From chutney making to card crafting, photography, line dancing or learning Spanish, there’s lots to keep you occupied during the colder months.

Make sure you have fun

Throw yourself into autumn and winter with gusto and discover all that is good about the colder seasons. From roasting chestnuts and enjoying a glass of red wine in front of a crackling real fire, to harvest festivals, Halloween and the Christmas season, there are all sorts of autumn adventures and winter treats waiting to be enjoyed.

Practise gratitude

Not as silly as it may sound, sometimes it’s worth just counting your blessings and reminding yourself to not take everything for granted. It keeps you focused on the positive things you already have in your life, and helps to put a different perspective on things. Try writing down (or just noticing) 3 things every day that you are grateful for. It can be anything at all, big or small, as long as you appreciate its positive impact on your life.