Winter - how to survive and not get depresssed

There's some excellent advice here. I would add that a walk each day doesn't have to be a hike - just a route to a shop/ library/ post office could incorporate a detour to a park to smell the air and feel the wind.
I don't like winter but I agree with RosiesMaw that summer can feel more lonely as the sounds around of happy groups may make those of us who live alone feel excluded.

I love Grandmafrench's suggestions. There are advantages and disadvantages in all seasons.

Maybe we should see Autumn as the gentle preparation for real winter, which in my head begins in December.

Autumn can be an awesome time when nature is saying, 'Slow down.Time for bed everyone!'

Bedtime can mean a favourite film or TV show with a glass of warming red wine.
It can mean a good book, a few little treats on a plate beside you, tucked under a warm blanket.
It can mean hot chocolate with buttered toast.
It can mean a short walk watching the leaves fall or looking up to a starry sky.
It can mean meeting up with friends and just relaxing in good company.
It can mean a phone call to a loved one.
It can mean your favourite music, a bit of yoga, or a relaxation tape.

Thankyou for this thread. I hope to be able to embrace the mellow Autumn now, before the long sleep of Winter begins!

It's hard work but I try to mulch my borders in the autumn so that I know the weeds are being suppressed over winter. It means less grubbing around in Spring.

I'll order some tulip bulbs for planting in November. That gives me something lovely to anticipate.

I have a collection of tartan cashmere scarves which feel comforting and really cheer me up.

Otherwise I'll set up my special folder and get a jigsaw under way.

Last winter we seemed to catch one virus after another so maybe I need to investigate taking supplements to help.

A really positive thread. I’m with you Nell8, as I love to be out in the garden, so will be mulching my borders and choosing more Spring bulbs, especially tulips. I’m also considering an online course, possibly on nutrition.

Assuming you’re mobile, getting out for a walk in daylight, for at least half an hour, in most weathers, is recommended. I do sometimes have to force myself, but I always feel better afterwards.

The autumn can be lovely if the weather holds. Certainly a little walk does help lift the spirits. I'm ok-ish until Christmas really as planning for that, what presents to buy etc, does take up a lot of my thoughts. It's after Christmas that I struggle. I loathe January and February. So I'll make a plan of some sort, have another go at watercolour painting, or try again to learn to crochet.
I'm worried about the heating in view of the government's decision. Not sure if I qualify for the winter fuel payment or not.
Planting spring bulbs in the autumn is a lovely idea, watching them emerge through the soil and grow is a joy. There are so many wonderful things to do, let's hope we can survive the winter without sinking too low.

We have fairy lights in the garden, seeing them and even sitting out when it’s dusk, with a blanket, cheers me during the winter months, fresh air for half an hour.

skydancer I feel duty bound to mention golf. I play all year and love to se the changing seasons on the course. I dont suggest you take it up but most clubs run introductory courses where you could meet new people- not everyone joins or takes it up but the friendships persist and often do something else together like canasta/bridge.

Getting outside is very important to me, I enjoy walking the dog as long as I’m dressed for the weather - I've got it sussed now!
Welly boots, waterproof jacket and gloves are essential, the dog doesn’t take any notice of bad weather.
I have plenty of interests to occupy me too.

Having plenty of nice things to do is key. Personally,: sewing, spinning fibre, knitting, dvds, reading. I have a small SAD lamp handy on a shelf, just in case. Out and about on my bike if not too cold or dangerous wet leaves, otherwise a walk around town, taking in a steep hill. I won`t be going anywhere if the pavements are icy

I have already planned for keeping warm and made some very warm pull-on pants and tops, like walking around in a warm dressing gown. Knowing that wood and smokeless fuel is stored for two more winters and a `just in case` of trangias and meths, matches and candles

I love winter, it is my hibernating time

I recently read an article about how important it was to try and get out of the house as early as possible for some sunlight - particularly in the winter. So early morning walks should really help. Recently at a spa I spent a lovely morning - despite it being rainy and cold - in an outdoor hot tub - but that's quite a thing to find.

You don’t have to stay in UK in the winter. I go to warmer climes for 3-6 months every winter. I usually volunteer and get free accommodation. Then over the years I have made contacts and gone from there. I even get my airfare paid. Doesn’t matter to things out there to do abroad if you put your mind to it. By the way, I’m 77.

I use a S.A.D. lamp, starting in the mornings when it starts to get darker. It has been a life saver. Also I sit outside in the sun as much as I can on anice day, as well as going for walks.

I hope all goes well for you.

I'm the complete opposite. I get depressed in the spring/summer. Nobody I know understands, and they think I'm weird for loving autumn and winter.

I dread winter , find it hard to see anything good in it and get quite down , especially since my husband has had Alzheimer’s and conversation is very limited
Have bought a light box , so will see if that makes a difference
Maybe you could try one?
Best of luck

Thank you all for kind and uplifting messages. There is so much on here that I can't mention everyone but you have all inspired me no end. I will try to get up at the same time every day (though I struggle to get out of bed!) and start the day earlier than I normally would to get the benefit of the winter daylight. Also some of the activities people have mentioned are things I would not have thought of so I will re-read and absorb the ideas. Fortunately we are not far from beaches so I'll be heading to those using my bus pass this winter. I'll try to remember to start a follow-up thread in the Spring to let you know what I got up to! Thanks again, everyone.

Suggest google the ramblers for your county - that way you get company and interesting walks -all levels of walking. Many of my friends go as their partners don’t enjoy waking and it gives them someone to walk with and have a natter.

I'm the same - very busy in the Summer but our seasonal business ceases at the end of October and I dread the long dark Winter days! I'm not able to walk far so that's not an option for me, so this year I am going to look at volunteering. A charity shop maybe - I think there are sites which list volunteering opportunities - I'm almost looking forward to it!

I have discovered audiobooks and they are great companion for local walks that I would find boring without a purpose. I miss people I used to visit and habit of posting letters to distant friends and family, used be good reasons to get out of the house. I get books thru the library and have them on my phone and use one earbud.

Get a Motorhome and head abroad if you can afford it….keep following the sun for 90 days. Seriously we will probably head out to our Greek house and stay there. So much cheaper than living here over winter with fuel etc.

Hello there

Have you ever thought about doing Ancestry .,it can really keep your mind busy .I alsi did My DNA and came across a 1st cousin of 82 I'm late 50s (I had older parents)

Great idea going out for walks. I take long walks 365 days a year as I have a dog but would try to get out every day regardless. Good outdoor clothing is imperative.
Other than that, try to see the beauty of winter; the sparkling frosts, the bare trees, the dark nights sometimes filled with stars…Every season has its pleasures and without winter we wouldn’t look forward to spring 😊

Is there anywhere near you that does courses - gardening, cooking, upholstery, languages, singing, music or anything else - you fancy? You may not be outside but you'll be out of the house and with people doing something to take your mind off how gloomy the weather is.

Or a garden that welcomes volunteers to help with weeding, planting, etc ? Dog walking has been mentioned before.

Another hater of winter here, I’m very lucky as Mr Moon is happy to drive our motorhome to the south of Spain for 3 months from Jan to March.
Have a look on your county councils website for Health Walks, they are for all abilities and often finish off at a cafe or a pub for a drink afterwards. Everyone is always friendly and welcoming to new walkers.

A very interesting post skydancer - thank you for starting it. It has produced so many ideas and I'll be dipping in and out of it as the months go by.