Throughout the winter months, many people feel that their mood is lower, and this can lead to feelings of depression and other mental illnesses. Looking after your mental wellbeing is important all year round, but in the winter, it is something to particularly pay attention to.

Here are a few things that can help you to feel better during the winter months if you are struggling with feeling down…

Meditation – Mediation is something that many people practise as a way to gain feelings of calm and help to focus the mind. If you practise it daily, meditation can help you to manage feelings of stress as well as panic and anxiety. There are lots of ways to start off with meditation and it is something that you practise and will become better at over time, so don’t worry if you don’t get it the first time! There are apps and free tutorials online that can be really helpful especially for beginners.

Arts and Crafts – Doing something creative is a great way to help calm and focus the mind. One of the best examples of a relaxing hobby to do is knitting. In fact, it is proven to lower the blood pressure! A knitting kit like this www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/knitting-kits is great for a beginner or a more experienced knitter, and there are always new skills and stitches to learn when knitting, as well as knitting clubs that you can join for the social element. Drawing, painting and making things are also good things to do over the winter.

Spending Time in Nature – Nature is known to have a calming effect on the mind and the body, so wrap up warm and go out and enjoy the countryside. This time of the year can be chilly, but there is plenty to see in the natural world. The evergreen plants are striking now that the summer greenery has gone, and for birdwatchers, there are many birds that spend winter in the UK.

Exercise – As well as being good for the body, exercise boosts the feel good hormones in the brain, which naturally makes you feel more positive. If you don’t fancy braving the cold and the dark, why not do a fitness class or go to your local swimming pool and do some lengths.