EASY WAYS TO STAY CHEERY IN WINTER

The cold, dark months can trigger tiredness and low mood. Emma has strategies to help you feel more positive until spring

Eight in ten of us are affected by the winter blues, or a milder form of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). We are more likely to feel tired physically and low emotionally, due to the lack of white light and sunshine on our skin from spending too little time outdoors. Counteracting these feelings takes determination and commitment. Little reinventions go a long way, so book a hair appointment and try out a new style. When you look good, you feel better. Getting your life organised can also help boost your mood, because when you feel in control you’re better able to manage emotions.

Download a budgeting app, create a weekly planner, clean out clutter, and take clothes you’ll never wear again to the charity shop. Twenty minutes of transcendental meditation (with a mantra) a day relaxes the body and mind by stimulating the release of the sleep hormone melatonin, leaving you happier and less stressed. There are loads of apps or free YouTube videos to follow. Creating a list of the goals you want to achieve this year can perk you up. Get outside in the fresh air for long walks to feel fresh and invigorated. Food-wise, eat healthily and stay away from stodgy treats that’ll make you feel rubbish, physically and emotionally.

Both SAD lamps and headsets, which use light therapy to ease symptoms, are effective, too. If you feel you are struggling more than expected, speak to a health professional to check if there are any underlying causes contributing to your low mood.