Winter Warmth: How to Beat Those Seasonal Blues

Winter can be divisive. Some see it as a time to enjoy hygge, the Danish concept of embracing cosiness, wrapping up in front of the fire and drinking tea. Others though, find it hard to see past the dark, short evenings, cold weather and quieter pace.
“Most people struggle with the dark nights and bleak weather,” says Dr Patricia Barber, psychologist and director of Galway-based practice, My Psychology Ireland. “Some people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD in its full form or partially. It’s not just the reduced daylight hours, it is also the fact that we work indoors for most of the daylight hours which further escalates this problem.
The cold, wet nights also make us more likely to retreat into our homes, and for many, this can be isolating.” If this sounds familiar, get ahead of the gloom by creating a toolkit of things to lift your mood. Patricia assures that there are lots of steps you can take to help during this period.
“The HSE recommends we take a vitamin D supplement in the winter months because we lack the sunlight to provide this naturally. It contributes to our overall health and mood and because we see less daylight hours in winter, a supplement can be helpful.”

“Making plans with friends or exercising one to two evenings a week can be helpful for our overall health and coping with the long evenings,” she continues. “Be curious about plays, events or shows that may be on that give you something to look forward to. If you have breaks at work, it would be helpful to go outside for some daylight, even for 10-15 minutes. Some may benefit from a light lamp for symptoms of SAD. Most people notice a change in their mood, but manage ok. If someone is feeling hopeless, it’s important that they reach out for support by speaking with their GP.”
Culture club: Exploring local events and traditions this winter
Getting in some arts and culture can really help you see the light in darker months, and leave you feeling inspired. Thankfully the west is known for its rich culture, so combining some arts or music with having something to look forward to can really make a difference. Why not check out an inspiring storytelling evening like Celtic Tales in the Crane bar, or Moth and Butterfly Storytelling (their annual festival starts on January 30th)? Keep it classic with cinema trips, comedy gigs, or trad nights, or embrace Galway’s love of festivals with Galway’s Midwinter Festival in January.
Feel fresh and rejuvenated: tips for a vibrant winter season
Hibernation is a fabulous part of winter, but we all know fresh air can help boost your mood. We are blessed in the west with so many beautiful scenic spots to immerse in nature. Opt for a sea swim in Salthill, either on your own or as part of the many groups like Galway Dippers. Stroll around one of the various parks and gardens, from the Circle of Life garden in Salthill, to Barna Woods, or Brigit’s Garden. If you’re feeling active, take a trek up Diamond Hill in Letterfrack, or head for the Cliffs of Moher coastal walk.
Embrace self-care and relaxation during the winter months
Being nice to yourself is something you should do all year round, but after the madness of Christmas and back-to-school season, it’s important to do something for yourself. Whether it’s adding some glam like a fresh set of nails at The Beauty Mint, or a massage or spa day in the blissful G Hotel or The Galmont, taking some time to yourself will have effects that last much longer than the appointment.
Dose of dopamine
Perhaps you associate winter with fresh blues and crisp whites, but for some people, the dark evenings and rainy weather can evoke feelings of greyness. Counter this with a dose of dopamine – if the Irish weather isn’t bringing the colour, don’t be afraid to bring it yourself! Brighten up your wardrobe with fashion and accessories from Galway-based designer Emerald and Wax, or add a splash of colour to your home with interiors or prints from artists like Ciara O’Neill.
Keep a happy list: Simple ways to cultivate joy during winter
Don’t see anything up your street? Create your own list of joy-bringers. It can be anything from TV shows and movies you love to walks with your dog, seeing friends who always cheer you up, or spots that have the best coffee and pastries for a delicious pick-me-up.


Your list can be anything that brings you joy. So, when you’re feeling down and don’t have the energy to think about what would help, you can simply check your notebook, notes app, or sticky note and pick one for an instant mood boost.
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