Winter self-care tips from Beat

These winter wellbeing tips come from Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, who support people across the country to feel informed, understood and less alone. Their suggestions offer simple, gentle ways to care for yourself during the colder months, whether that’s staying connected, finding cosy moments or taking things at your own pace.

1. Find your cosy activities

Winter is the perfect time to rediscover or try some new wintery activities. Here are some indoor things you could try:

• Finish that book you’ve been meaning to pick up again
• Get cosy with some crafts – you could knit or crochet a winter scarf and hat
• Feel nostalgic with your favourite movies or video games

2. Stay connected

When the weather is cold and rainy, it can feel more difficult to meet up with friends as it does in the summer.

Instead, why not share a cup of tea with a friend over a video call? You could set up a regular time to check in each week.

Try sending each other letters. You could get crafty and make them yourselves!

If you’re local to each other, have a café crawl around your area together.

3. Declutter your space

Sometimes, having a clear space means a clearer mind.

Ahead of some potential new Christmas presents, or welcoming in the New Year, why not set aside some time to declutter your room?

See if you have old or unworn clothes you can donate or sell online. Rearrange your souvenirs and rediscover what you have.

You can do this bit by bit, and by the end, you’ll have a clearer space and rediscovered gems.

4. Prioritise rest

Don’t feel the need to do too much – rest is very important to help you feel relaxed.

This might mean getting enough sleep, to ensure you’re well rested.

Resting might mean doing your favourite hobbies you’re familiar with, or doing

low-impact repetitive activities to help switch your mind off.

This could also mean taking things slower, and prioritising taking your time over rushing. For example, give yourself more time to get to places, or take the more scenic route.

5. Do something good

Helping others can help us feel good about ourselves – and it doesn’t even have to be a big commitment either!

• Why not help out a loved one with a task they need doing? Offer to do some chores for them, or plan a day out for the both of you.
• You could give some of your old items to a charity shop, or donate some money to an organisation that you’re passionate about.
• If you want to do something with your time, why not look into volunteering?

6. Feel the fresh air

Even if it is cold and rainy, it’s still a good idea to have some time outside.

Grab your umbrella, winter coat, or a pair of gloves and spend even just a few minutes outside to get some fresh air.

• Go for a walk with your loved ones
• Do some gardening, or tidy up your garden
• Spend some time enjoying nature
• Take some photos of your favourite things you see outside

7. Celebrate your year

Take some time to think about all the great things you’ve done this year, and celebrate yourself!

• The friends you’ve made and maintained
• The places you’ve visited
• New things you’ve tried by taking yourself out of your comfort zone
• Your achievements in school, university, work, or in your clubs and hobbies
• Your resilience, courage and growth

We’d love to hear what helps you to keep well during the winter. Share your ideas with us on social media using the hashtag #CoorieInThisWinter or by emailing us at ithrive@health-in-mind.org.uk