Winter Wellbeing 2021/22
Welcome to the Winter Wellbeing 2021/22 section of iThrive Edinburgh!
The winter months can take a toll on our mental health. 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 What’s on section for news and events across Edinburgh over the winter period.
Coorie in for Winter
The winter months can be a wonderful time of celebration and a time to connect with the people around us. However, they can also bring up some difficult emotions, and the change of season can have an impact on our wellbeing.
That’s why we’re focusing this booklet on the Scottish concept of ‘coorie’ as a way to help us look after our mental health and wellbeing this winter.
Coorie is all about comfort, snuggling, looking after yourself and others. It’s about embracing the benefits of the outdoors and being surrounded by nature.
This booklet focuses on 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.
Download your own copy of Coorie in for Winter here: https://bit.ly/2Z9nhrS
Wellbeing tips from Health in Mind and iThrive
Your Winter Five Ways to Wellbeing
Keeping Well This Winter
Positive Steps to Wellbeing
Winter Journaling
Alan’s Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
10 Top Tips for Winter Wellbeing
Winter Mindfulness and relaxation ideas
My one thousand paper cranes
Loneliness and staying connected this winter
Mindful Drawing: how to draw a mandala
Writing to say hello this winter
Homemade body scrub
Having a digital Christmas
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.
Practical support: food, money, housing and work
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
Winter Wellbeing resources from Parent Club
A Psychologist’s Top Tip For A Peaceful Family Holiday
Keeping motivated
How to boost your motivation levels during winter from Patient
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
Creating connections and building confidence from the British Red Cross
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder factsheet from Mind
10 Ways To Tackle Seasonal Affective Disorder Now from Happiful
Stay active
Reasons to stay active in autumn and winter from Penumbra
Get active this winter from the British Heart Foundation
General wellbeing guides
Action for Happiness’ ‘Do Good’ December calendar