With shorter days and cooler temperatures, it's common to feel a dip in energy and mood during the Indian winter. However, cutting-edge science offers simple, natural ways to combat this seasonal slump and boost your wellbeing.
Firstly, change your relationship with winter. Research shows that learning to notice and embrace its positive aspects—like the chance for cozy nights in, seasonal foods, or the crisp morning air—can significantly improve your wellbeing. It's a conscious mindset shift from enduring winter to finding joy in its unique offerings.One of the most powerful, yet underrated, mood elevators is singing. Whether in the shower or with a group, singing activates multiple brain regions, relieves stress, acts as mild aerobic exercise, and even boosts immune function. Don't worry about being perfect—just belt out a tune and feel the endorphins rise. Speaking of perfection, let go of the need to be perfect. Perfectionism is linked to anxiety and depression. Practice self-compassion instead; treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend.
Harness your phone wisely. While excessive screen time can harm mental health, you can make your device work for you. Use note-taking apps to offload mental clutter, which can free up cognitive space. Crucially, batch your notifications or leave your phone in another room at times to protect your focus and reduce anxiety triggers.
Finally, cultivate gratitude and channel emotions productively. Keep a nightly "three good things" journal. Writing down three positive moments from your day trains your brain to scan for the positive, which has been proven to increase happiness. Also, if you feel anger or frustration, don't simply suppress it. Research suggests channelling that energy into a brisk walk, a creative project, or a workout can transform it into something productive. By integrating these science-backed hacks, you can navigate the winter months with a brighter, more resilient mindset.
