It’s called ‘kotoilu’ in Finland and ‘hygee’ in Denmark – the belief that winter is a special time for cosiness, enjoyment and fulfilment, rather than a season to dread.

And our members have given advice and tips on how we can embrace these qualities to alter our winter mindset and improve our wellbeing.

Reframe your attitude

Dee Johnson, psychotherapist, says we can help ourselves by changing how we feel about the winter months.

“We automatically reinforce the dread and misery of the shorter daylight hours associating this with being cold, damp and grey, in our conversations and internal thoughts. So we ‘fix’ our mindset and mood to one that expects winter to be low mood inducing, miserable - real negative vibes,” she says.

“Reframing your attitude to the undeniably more challenging and worrying aspects of winter months isn’t about just thinking positive and ignoring reality.

“Instead, it’s about embracing what the challenges, restrictions and even anxieties those winter dreads bring us. Remember, if you approach with misery, you’ll find it harder to shift that feeling. Put your energy into the things you can change or improve.

“Look at what you can do to embrace this time and what goals can you achieve that you can’t in the lighter, warmer months.”

Romanticise winter

Counsellor Lara Waycot says that romanticising winter by changing your mindset can help you see the bigger picture.

“Mindset becomes a choice, it’s about altering how you approach something that may be a challenge, stressful or annoying - so instead of letting it implode you, use the energy that takes in a more constructive, creative, grateful and problem-solving manner.

“Rather than focusing on the challenges, it allows you to put things into perspective. When it comes to winter and the impact of fewer hours of sunlight, there are tangible ways you can reframe your experience. For example, by seeking out ways to embrace the changes.”

She suggests romanticising winter by acting out seasonal trends such as baking cookies and planning cosy nights in with hot chocolate and fluffy blankets.

Look for achievable goals

Dee suggests learning a new skill or starting a hobby.

“Re-educate yourself, get the brain cogs whirring. With more time indoors why not read that book you keep putting off or get on to those internal household repairs and improvements you keep meaning to do.

“Or try new recipes for hearty winter meals (there are excellent, less expensive root and brassica vegetables at this time of year too that have great health benefits).”

Lara says: “Focusing on the challenge can feel counterintuitive, as it can make you feel worse, but it satisfies a desire to 'fix the problem'. It’s a natural thing to do and yet can be unhelpful. 

“For example, you can use this as a time for renewal, put away the summer clothes and embrace those winter jumpers and fabrics. Mindfully embrace the textures and colours using all your senses.”

Stay connected

Dee says to make the most of more time spent indoors by connecting with yourself and loved ones.

“When cosied up on your sofa, be wary of isolating (which lowers mood, motivation and confidence). Use your device to connect with a person instead of doom scrolling. It’s also a good time to check on those that may be more vulnerable and at risk in the winter. This will boost your self-belief and wellbeing when you’re being kind and puts your winter blues into perspective.”

Be creative with seasonal decor

“Energise your creative side, which is good for anxiety and stress relief,” says Dee, “Make your surroundings look and feel as cosy as you can, to feel warm, safe and protected.”

“Many people now do autumn decorating to celebrate this seasonal change. Make your own autumn garland or fill a vase with the fir cones and coloured foliage this time of year brings.”

“You might want to create a bucket list or mood board for change in season,” adds Lara, “You could include baths, blankets, going to a firework display, a trip to a garden centre to look at the festivities, cold walks with warm coffees, movies you want watch, crafts you want to complete.” 

Enjoy the seasonal changes

“Embrace the outdoors and use a mindful approach to look at how nature changes and the beauty, the colours it brings”, says Dee. “Think of the positive health results of a brisk winter walk, clearing the garden and shovelling snow”

Lara agrees that getting outside and appreciating nature is a great way to boost your mood.

“Take a mindful walk and explore how incredible nature is, use your senses to really look at a new or familiar area. Look at the different colours on the trees and in the fields, what smells are around?

“How does it feel to walk in this weather? How does your body react, are your shoulders by your ears? What does it feel like when you bring them down and take a deep breath?”

If you need more support

Some people may struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a type of depression that people experience at different times of the year and can leave people feeling persistently sad or low for weeks or months at a time. If these feelings interfere with your day to day life, you may want to speak to your GP or seek help from a mental health professional.

If you’re struggling with your mental health and wellbeing this winter, you can find a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist who can help you by searching our therapist directory.