There are actions we can all take to care for our mental wellbeing during the colder months.

In te ao Māori, winter is a time for rest, reflection and nourishment. It's a season of stillness, so it makes sense to slow down and be gentle with ourselves. Winter is also when Matariki (the Māori New Year) takes place, a celebration that invites us to reflect on the past and plan for the future.

❄️ Make a winter ‘bucket list’.

Or a list of all the winter things you’re looking forward to – like eating winter comfort food, or wearing cosier clothes.

❄️ Embrace hibernation.

By practising relacing activities such as mindfulness, yoga, or taking hot baths or showers to wind down before bed.

❄️ Celebrate Winter!

Organise a 'midwinter Christmas' dinner, or a Matariki celebration with friends or whānau.

❄️ Plan a Winter routine.

Routine can help us to consistently practice habits that uplift our mental wellbeing. Having a routine helps our brains to feel more relaxed and in control.

❄️ Maximise the light you recieve!

Spend as much time as possible soaking up natural sunlight. Or, try a light therapy lamp which mimics sunlight and can be just as effective.

Please note: Low mood, irritability and lethargy brought on by the start of winter, can be signs of a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Although the specific cause of SAD isn’t known, a drop in your serotonin and a rise in your melatonin levels may play a part.

If you think you, or someone you know, is suffering from SAD, it’s important to seek help from a GP as soon as possible.