As the days grow shorter and the mornings a little crisper, winter is quietly making its entrance. In some places it brings frosty weather and extra layers, while in others it is a gentle shift with cooler evenings and a respite from the heat. Either way, the change in season often brings a noticeable difference in mood, energy, and overall health.
If you are already feeling a bit flat, tired, or more prone to the sniffles, you are not imagining it. The combination of less daylight, cooler weather, and more time indoors can have a real impact so let’s look at some ways to make winter a little more bearable.
Responding to the change
Our bodies are more in tune with the seasons than we often realise. Shorter days affect our internal clock and can lead to lower energy or a dip in mood. Around one in three people report feeling more down or low during winter, and many notice reduced energy and enjoyment in daily life.i
Lifestyle changes add to the effect. Nearly half of people say they become less social as winter begins, quietly deepening the sense of disconnection.ii Even cravings shift, with many leaning toward comfort foods like carbs and sweets. These habits are common and natural, reflecting how our bodies respond to the changing season.
Keeping healthy and dodging the lurgies
Starting winter with a few simple habits can help you feel your best.
Colds and viruses are more prevalent in cooler months so stay on top of hygiene by washing your hands regularly, covering coughs, and taking care when unwell.
Eat nourishing, warming food. Soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and slow-cooked meals are ideal. While many people say they reach for comfort foods more often in winter, balancing them with fresh produce supports both mood and immunity.
Keep moving even when it is tempting to slow down. Regular movement helps counter winter sluggishness and supports overall physical and mental health.
Prioritise rest. The longer nights invite more sleep, but maintaining a steady routine with good-quality rest helps keep energy levels and immunity up.
Lifting your mood
If your energy dips or your mood feels a little off, gentle adjustments can help.
Catch the daylight whenever you can. Even a short walk outdoors during daylight hours helps regulate your mood and energy.
Stay connected. Social energy naturally dips for many, with over forty per cent of people saying they pull back from social interactions in winter.iii However, making the effort to check in with friends or family can brighten your day and even small gestures matter.
Leaning into winter
If you really want to lean into the cooler weather, you can seek out experiences that celebrate the season. Winter festivals turn the long nights into something to celebrate. Events such as Vivid Sydney fill the evenings with vibrant light, music, and art, while the more edgy Dark Mofo in Tasmania is an arts and culture festival that celebrates darkness.
Seasonal food celebrations add another layer of enjoyment. Yulefest in the Blue Mountains brings ‘Christmas in July’ to life with roaring fires and hearty feasts. Truffle season in Margaret River invites indulgence with truffle-based cuisine paired with exquisite local wines. If you want to keep it close to home, check out what’s on in your neighbourhood. You might find a winter market to explore or eat at a restaurant that’s featuring fantastic seasonal produce.
The winter solstice, marking the shortest day of the year, also serves as a gentle reminder that longer, brighter days are on the way. Pausing to reflect or creating a small tradition, like lighting a candle or sharing a meal or some mulled wine, can bring a sense of warmth and celebration to chilly days.
You don’t have to go to too much effort. There is something special about enjoying simple comforts, whether it is snuggling on the couch with a cosy blanket, relaxing in front of a crackling fire, or putting your feet up with a warm drink.
Winter has its own quiet charm if you let it. By employing a little self-care and being open to the quieter pleasures of the season, it can be a time to savour.
i https://www.mhfa.org.au/understanding-seasonal-affective-disorder-sad
ii,iii https://mccrindle.com.au/article/winter-blues-having-real-impact-in-australia/
