19 November 2023 , 15:41
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Think positive
Making the most of winter means being realistic about what you can do, and focusing on what you would like to achieve, says psychotherapist Jade Thomas (luxepsychologypractice.com). “We can’t change the weather, therefore it’s important to focus on things that are within your control,” she says.
“Concentrate on what you can do rather than what you can’t. Continue to have things to look forward to and embrace the changes in season.” Life coach Taz Thornton (tazthornton.com) agrees.
“Winter gives us a season to reflect, relax and prepare for new growth. We’re conditioned to be always on the go, but winter can be a good time to rest, connect with loved ones and think about what you’d like to create in the year ahead and beyond.”
Winter warmer
This is the perfect season to indulge in a delicious warming pudding. But choose one with some added health benefits, such as spiced baked apples. Fitness and wellbeing expert Christianne Wolff (thebodyrescueplan.com) says: “Apples are a nutrient-rich fruit providing vitamins and minerals for immune and heart health, while nutmeg has digestive, anti-inflammatory and sleep-enhancing benefits.”
Stuffed Baked Apples
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Serves two
2 Bramley cooking apples
2tbsp dried mixed fruit
2tsp maple syrup
½tsp grated nutmeg
1 Preheat oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Core the apples, leaving half an inch at the bottom.
2 Combine the other ingredients and fill the apples.
3 Bake for 30 minutes, or until cooked (check with a skewer).
Stuffed baked apples are a great winter snack idea
The easiest way to have a go is with a sparkling gel liner, says HannahTime to shine
Of course winter also means party season, and there’s no better time to enjoy some serious sparkle, says fashion editor Emma Johnson. “Sequins are always a safe bet for Christmas parties. However, for a really on-trend look, step away from the little black dress this year and stand out in silver or red. Both colours were huge on the autumn/winter runways and are very festive.”
For make-up, beauty expert Hannah Britt says party season is the ideal time to have fun with some glitter. “The easiest way to have a go is with a sparkling gel liner, such as Collection Glam Crystals Gel Eyeliner, £2.99 (Boots). Simply draw it across the lid, or wear it flicked out to the side.”
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Go wild
“Winter is a magical time for wildlife – and the changing seasons offer so many wonderful things to see. Getting connected to our natural world is great for mental health and nature is there for everyone,” says Sally Smith, from Kent Wildlife Trust (kentwildlifetrust.org.uk).
“Wrap up warm and bring children out as dusk draws in to see if any bats can be spotted,” says Dr Emily Lambert from wildflower company Seedball. “They will be busy looking for hibernation sites, mating and feeding, so they will be active.” Scatter Bat Mix seed balls, £6.50 (seedball.co.uk) to grow evening scented flowers that encourage the night-flying insects that bats like to eat.
Hot choc heaven
There is nothing better than a creamy mug of hot chocolate on a cold day. But how do you make the perfect cup? Asad Khan, founder of Snowflake Luxury Gelato (snowflakegelato.co.uk), says: “Use the creamiest milk you can find for the smoothest taste, and make it with chocolate pieces, approximately 70g per cup. A mix of dark and milk will give you a good balance. Add a spoonful of pistachio butter or a pinch of mixed spice for an extra layer of flavour.”
A hot chocolate in winter can boost your mood (Stock photo) (Getty Images)Try tree spotting
The changing winter landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for walks, but why not add some interest by going tree spotting? It’s an ideal activity for the whole family. “Trying to identify and spot different tree species is a fun activity to try on a chilly winter woodland walk,” says Llinos Humphreys, spokesperson for Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales (woodlandtrust.org.uk).
“Even on bare trees, there are clues to tell different species apart. For instance, an ash tree can easily be identified in winter by its smooth twigs that have distinctive black, velvety leaf buds arranged opposite each other.
“A silver birch is easy to spot with its elegant, drooping branches and white bark, which sheds layers like tissue paper and becomes black and rugged at the base. And keep an eye out for the bark of a sweet chestnut tree, which has fissures that spiral around the trunk.”
Being out with your loved ones can also be beneficial (Stock photo) (Getty Images)Winter meditation
Reiki master Georgina Hemsley (hemsleyorganics.com) recommends this easy 10-minute meditation for winter wellbeing.
1 Find a quiet space, place your hand on your heart and close your eyes.
2 Then state your intention, for example, think: “I love the winter months and I am blessed for this cosy time with my family”.
3 Imagine you are breathing in the good energy around you and breathing out the negative.
4 As you breathe, think of all the things you love about winter – candlelight, log fires, cosy jumpers, icy mornings when the trees sparkle.
5 Just before you finish, state three things you love about yourself.
Reach for the stars
The dark, clear skies make the perfect backdrop for stargazing, and everyone can enjoy this free activity. “The long dark nights mean you can start earlier, which offers more opportunities, especially for families,” says Gary Lintern, stargazing expert at Raby Estates (raby.co.uk).
“At this time of year, we can see some of the brightest stars in the sky.” And you don’t need any special equipment. “Even if you’re planning to buy a telescope some day, don’t rush into it. You need to know the stars and the constellations first, and all the equipment you need for that is your eyes,” he adds. Gary says in November and December you should keep an eye out for “bright stars in the southern sky, and bright constellations like Orion”.
In winter, dark, clear skies make the perfect backdrop for stargazing (Getty Images)Supercharged sleep
If you’re feeling more rested, you have winter to thank, says Theresa Schnorbach, sleep expert for mattress makers Emma – The Sleep Company. “The drop in temperatures and shorter days can have a positive impact on sleep. Our bodies need to cool down in order for us to fall asleep, so a cooler environment helps us to fall asleep faster and for longer.
“And our bodies naturally produce more melatonin, which can help us nod off more easily and enjoy a deeper, more restful slumber.” To boost your bedtime routine, Theresa recommends a weighted blanket. “It’s scientifically proven to improve sleep quality by providing a pressure similar to that of the feeling of being hugged,” she says. Try the Emma Hug, £97.30 (emma-sleep.co.uk).
Clear the clutter
You will naturally spend more time indoors during the winter months, which makes them the perfect time to do some sorting, says psychotherapist Helen Sanderson, author of The Secret Life of Clutter. “Dark, rainy days are the perfect time for decluttering,” she says.
“Create a clear vision of what you want to achieve and why it will benefit you. Set aside a realistic block of time and focus on a manageable area. Prioritise identifying what you can recycle or donate, rather than what you want to keep. Don’t be tempted to start organising or putting things away until you’ve weeded out what you no longer need.”
Light up your life
Make the most of the dark evenings at a Christmas light trail. The grounds of many stately homes nationwide have been transformed into magical winter wonderlands with dazzling light installations, delicious mulled wine and a festive soundtrack put together by Sony. Look for one nearest you at mychristmastrails.co.uk.
During the winter season, you should make the most of the dark evenings at a Christmas light trailReady, steady, glow
Winter can be harsh on your skin due to the cold, dry air, weather conditions and central heating. But it is also a great season to revamp your beauty routine and give your skin some TLC. Skin expert Georgina East (sknfluence.co.uk) suggests switching to a cleansing milk, hydrating serum and rich moisturiser in order to nourish your complexion.
“The Christmas period can bring time off work, allowing for more leisure and self-care activities,” she says. “Enjoying a spa day, relaxing facial or massage can improve mental health and give you time for reflection.”
Festive fragrance
Finally, one surefire way to banish the winter blues is to fill your home with festive fragrance. “Winter is a time that brings back lots of memories – whether it’s a walk in the snow, a game by the fireside or a mulled wine to celebrate the holidays – and fragrance plays a key role in reminding people of these happy moments,” says Laura French, expert perfumer for Zoflora. For winter, she suggests focusing on scents that evoke feelings of fun, nostalgia, and comfort. Look for warm and familiar notes of the festive season, such as orange, vanilla, cinnamon, and clove oils.”