Winter Wellbeing: How to Look After Yourself During the Colder Months

1. Get outside during daylight 

It’s estimated that around two million Brits experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This can be most common in the winter months. While it can be a challenging time, there are ways to manage your symptoms. 

Getting as much natural daylight as possible can boost your mood. Try to get outside during the day and make the most of the Vitamin D before the sun sets.  

Even just a short 30-minute walk can improve your mind and set you up for a better day. 

2. Fight off winter colds 

While it’s important to look after your immune system all year round, it’seven more vital in winter when colds and flu are on the increase. 

Make sure to eat a healthy balanced diet, including five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. 

There are plenty of tasty seasonal vegetables available to incorporate into your diet. These include Brussels sprouts, turnips, and winter cabbage. 

3. Do something for yourself  

Christmas is the period of giving, and after the festivities have come to an endit’s important to give back to yourself. 

The winter months post-Christmas are generally a quiet period for many due to the colder temperatures. So why not use this time to learn a new hobby? 

Get outside in nature and capture the changing seasons by learning photography. Alternatively, improve your cooking skills and try out some new recipes.  

Looking to learn a new exercise and meet new people? Pilates and yoga area great way to de-stress and participate in a group session.  

4. Make plans for something to look forward to 

With shorter, darker days  during winter, it’s not uncommon to want to hibernate until the warmer days bloom. But, making plans for weekends, or even monthly trips, can make winter feel more bearable.  

In need of some inspiration? We’ve rounded up the top accessible days out as we head towards spring. 

If you are already thinking ahead to sunnier climes, we’ve also created a guide to driving your Motability car abroad this summer.  

5. Give back to nature 

If you are a bird lover, peak nesting time for birds in the UK is between March and July. This is due to temperatures getting warmer and more food becoming available.  

As the decline of natural nesting places continues, why not build your own nesting box? If you’re feeling crafty all you will need is some wood or timber.  

Bird boxes can directly influence the success of breeding in your local area. The box is also a great place for them to take shelter from bad weather conditions and escape any predators. 

To encourage birds to use the nesting spot, be sure to place bird feeders and water close by. Inside the box, place a few dry leaves, hay, or wood shavings. 

It’s important to clean the box when it’s no longer occupied for any future nests. 

Vertu Motors and the Motability Scheme 

If your Motability lease is due for renewal soon, now’s the time to start thinking about your next vehicle. That’s where we can help at Vertu Motors. Or are you a new customer to the Motability Scheme? 

With a wide choice of Motability cars from top manufacturers, including petrol and electric, we can help you find the right car for your needs.  

In need of adaptations? Our friendly Motability team can also explain the options available. Read our guide to adaptations for Motability vehicles. 

Motability also recently announced that the New Vehicle Payment has been extended until the end of this year. So, you could lease a brand-new car for less than you think.