Winter Wellbeing in Edinburgh
Welcome to the Winter Wellbeing section of iThrive Edinburgh!
The winter months can bring up some difficult emotions, and the change of season can have an impact on our wellbeing. This year may feel particularly challenging for many of us, due to the cost-of-living crisis.
To help you and those around you during this time, so we have pulled together some resources that can equip you with the tools and knowledge to boost your wellbeing this wintertime.
Keep an eye on our News section to see what’s on across Edinburgh over the winter period.
Coorie in for Winter
The 4th edition of our winter wellbeing guide, Coorie in for Winter, is available again this year.
The booklet focuses on the Scottish concept of ‘coorie’ as a way to help us look after our mental health and wellbeing this winter.
Coorie means to nestle in or hunker down, and these days, it means seeking warmth, cosiness, and good company, however dreich and dreary it gets outside. It means finding joy and comfort in the small pleasures.
Find out about the things we can all do to look after our mental health and wellbeing in our homes whilst also encouraging us to get outside and embrace the benefits of nature. It also includes a range of support and helpful contacts.
Wellbeing tips from Health in Mind and iThrive
Keeping Well This Winter
Positive Steps to Wellbeing
Winter Journaling
10 Top Tips for Winter Wellbeing
Winter Mindfulness and relaxation ideas
My one thousand paper cranes
Loneliness and staying connected this winter
Edinburgh Leisure – Getting Outside this Winter
Winter Arts and Craft Ideas
Your Winter Five Ways to Wellbeing
Winter self-care tips from Beat
Staying Connected and Supported This Winter with LifeCare
Winter-Proof Your Diet: Boost your motivation, energy and immunity with Edinburgh Community Food
Creating connection online during the festive season
Useful pages on iThrive Edinburgh
Wellness Toolkit
Just like you have a first aid kit at home for injuries, you can have a wellness toolkit to help improve your wellbeing. You can have a look at the resources below on how to create your own wellness toolkit (some call it a self-soothe box/kit). We have also listed some suggested resources that can start you off while you build your own toolkit that works for you.
Physical activity
Physical activity and exercise can really boost your mental health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that exercising is a helpful way to reduce depression, stress and anxiety.
Creativity
Creative activities have been proven to boost your mental health and wellbeing. By exploring the arts, whether that be taking part in, watching or experiencing, you can become more aware of your own feelings, learn from others and make positive changes in your life.
Cost of living crisis support
Some of us are experiencing worries about money, work, accessing food and housing which can impact our mental health and wellbeing. We have collected information, tools and links to local organisations that can give you practical support during this time.
Tips and information from other organisations
Families
Looking after yourself in winter from Parent Club
A Psychologist’s Top Tip For A Peaceful Family Holiday
How to keep babies warm in cold weather and other winter tips from The BBC
Keeping motivated
Winter weather: How to keep motivated to stay active during a cold snap from the BBC
Motivation worksheet from Emory College of Arts and Sciences
How to find motivation without burning out
Loneliness and isolation
How to make friends at any age from the Healthline
Warm spaces
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder factsheet from Mind
10 Ways To Tackle Seasonal Affective Disorder Now from Happiful
Stay active
Get active this winter from the British Heart Foundation
General wellbeing guides
