CNBNews

With the cold weather well and truly here and the fact we’re at the point where we’re going to work in the dark and coming home in it, our mood can often feel a little lower and more and more of us can struggle with our mental health.
It’s a time of year where many a private mental health clinic London will especially fill up, with the pressures of the city combined with the season having a big impact on people. But that’s also the case up and down the country too.

With the rain often setting in it can be difficult to get out and enjoy some fresh air, something we often use as a coping mechanism. So what can we do instead?

Thankfully, there are plenty of indoor activities that can improve your mental health too, so if you’re struggling here are five that could be beneficial to you…

Practise Mindful Meditation

Meditation is one of the most powerful tools for managing mental health conditions and is often recommended by professionals working in mental health clinics. It can help reduce stress levels and increase feelings of calm. In fact, it can even improve sleep, which is often disrupted the higher our stress levels are.
There are plenty of YouTube tutorials and mindfulness apps out there to help get you started and just setting aside five to 10 minutes each day can have a big impact on your mental health, helping you find peace, clarity and focus to manage your stresses effectively.

Get Creative with Art Therapy

Painting, drawing and other creative activities can be great outlets for releasing emotion, expressing your thoughts visually. You don’t need to be an artist to make the  most of it, all you need is a blank canvas to work from and you can get going.

Whether you’re enjoying a colouring book, have a blank page or are getting involved in
something more crafty like crocheting or knitting, it can be incredibly soothing while also be great for boosting mood and confidence, with a real sense of achievement coming  from starting something from scratch.

Try Indoor Gardening

Houseplants can bring warmth and life into your home during the colder months. Studies have shown that indoor gardening can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and even boost productivity. Taking care of plants provides a sense of responsibility and routine, both of which can be comforting when you’re feeling low. From watering and pruning to repotting, indoor gardening offers a peaceful way to stay active and mindful.

Easy-to-care-for plants like succulents, snake plants, and peace lilies are excellent choices for beginners, and their presence can enhance the indoor environment by adding a touch of greenery. Some people find that even dedicating time to a small herb garden in the kitchen can be immensely satisfying, as it gives a sense of purpose and provides a lovely supply of fresh herbs for cooking.

Engage in Reading or Audiobooks

Reading a good book can offer an escape from the daily grind and is a fantastic way to
unwind. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or self-help, a good book can immerse you in a
different world, provide new perspectives, or even give you tools to improve your mental well-being. Research suggests that reading can reduce stress levels, especially when it helps you focus on something other than worries or negative thoughts.

If reading feels too demanding, audiobooks provide a great alternative. Many people find the rhythm of someone reading to be soothing, making audiobooks an ideal way to unwind. With platforms like Audible and apps from local libraries, there’s a wide selection of stories to enjoy. Reading or listening to stories can be a comforting ritual,  and sharing book recommendations with friends can be a great way to stay connected during the winter months.

Take Up Indoor Exercise or Yoga

Staying active indoors is essential during winter when it’s often harder to get outside.
Exercise has been proven to boost endorphins and serotonin, improving mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Simple indoor exercises like stretching, bodyweight exercises, or yoga can be just as effective as a gym workout and can be done from the comfort of your home.

Yoga, in particular, combines gentle movement with mindfulness, making it an excellent
practice for mental well-being. Practising yoga helps to release tension, improve flexibility, and reduce stress. YouTube channels like Yoga with Adriene provide guided sessions for all levels, so you can tailor your routine to suit your needs. A regular exercise or yoga practice will not only keep you physically active but will also help clear your mind, keeping you balanced and grounded during winter.