Winter Outdoors: Part 1

This is my first post for 2025 so thank you to my Substack subscribers for your patience. I have been procrastinating on sending this article as it is very personal, but I am clicking publish as this may help someone who needs to read this message today. Part 2 will follow next week with some practical tips and ideas for getting outdoors with your children during winter.

I am going to be completely honest here and admit that during the lead up to Christmas, I felt subpar emotionally. The usual excitement and buzz about the festivities had missed me. I even abandoned Christmas card writing (apologies to friends and family who failed to receive their usual festive greetings). Externally I carried on with a smile as this truly is a magical time for children and seeing the excitement through the eyes of my two boys was uplifting.

In my early twenties I experienced an episode of depression, and over the past 20 years I have managed to keep an even keel by checking in with myself and ultimately listening to my body. Whenever I have felt in a low mood, there is often a rational reason behind it. I for one, had recently got into the habit of not getting enough sleep. Shifting my evenings to allow myself an adequate night’s rest feels a positive step.

Perhaps you too are feeling in a low mood due to taking on too much workload or a sad event has recently occurred. In my experience the key is not to resist but instead to accept that you are feeling this way. Acknowledge it and then begin to take practical steps and action to make some changes.

Some people champion the notion of being more attuned to the seasonal cycles as it aligns us with the natural world. A more scientific approach is the fact is that less sunshine affects our serotonin levels. The NHS website states: “Serotonin is a hormone that affects your mood, appetite and sleep.” Therefore, feeling less energised over winter makes sense.

The famous phase (which interestingly according to Wikipedia originated from Persian Sufi poets in the medieval times) “This too shall pass”. Is a reminder that nothing is fixed. Much like the seasons we experience here in the UK, the depths of wintertime with shorter and colder days will gradually shift towards the spring. Rather than resisting, we are better served to simply be kind to ourselves and accept that things are what they are right now and trust that like the winter, this will change.

Mood boosting tips for getting outdoors this winter:

• Aim to spend time outdoors in nature daily. Research has shown that as little as 20 minutes a day can have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing. UV light still makes its way through cloudy days.

• Wrap up warm in thermal under-layers, thicker outer-layers and ideally a waterproof coat and trousers. Hats, gloves and scarves help keep sensitive areas such as our ears warm to protect against winters chilly winds.

• Be active outdoors to help keep your body warm on cold days. Walking is a great way to exercise and the connection with exercise and mental health is well researched as a positive way to support wellbeing.

• Practise mindfulness by simply focusing on the natural world. Look out for signs of winter and pay attention to the subtle shifts which will happen over time during the season. Green shoots appearing in the ground and buds on tree branches are a reminder that things will change in due course.

• Be kind to yourself. If you feel that the mood isn’t shifting and have concerns about your wellbeing, then please seek help. Talk to a trusted family member or friend and get in touch with your GP/medical practitioner for advice. You are not alone. xx

Links to mental health charities and organisations for further help and advice:

NHS website – search ‘mental health’ at: www.nhs.uk

The Samaritans – www.samartians.org

24-hour free telephone helpline: 116 123

MIND – www.mind.org.uk