How to cope with dark winter nights

We asked the people we support, and our staff, “What ideas do you have to make November and darker winter days bearable?”

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is a Danish concept that encapsulates a feeling of cosiness, warmth, and contentment. It’s more than just a style or trend; it’s a way of life that emphasises simplicity, comfort, and enjoyment of the small things in life. Hygge is about creating an atmosphere that fosters connection, relaxation, and mindfulness, especially during colder or darker months.

Here, we list all the ideas from our Friday Support Circle, along with a few ideas sprinkled in from our service staff, on how people make the most of the darker evenings.

Feel cosy

Enjoy warm baths with bubbles and soft lighting. Take time out to treat your skin against the colder weather and do a home facial with an inexpensive supermarket treatment face-mask.

Put on comfy pyjamas and fluffy socks.

Cuddle up to a hot water bottle.

Use throws and blankets to keep yourself cosy.

Cuddle up with a pet for some snuggles.

Lighting

Use soft lighting e.g. salt lamps or use it as a good reason to turn the fairy lights on early!

Light a naturally-scented candle or use natural oil fragrances in diffusers & burners.

Put on a fire or replica fire and enjoy the crackling noise, or watch a video of flames on TV.

Play soft, calming background music.

Watch a video of flames on TV from YouTube.

Nature

Remind yourself that the shortest day is not that far away and soon the days will be getting longer.

Kick the leaves and get outside when possible.

Plant bulbs.

Go for a walk and take photos.

Warm drinks and food

Enjoy warming drinks like hot chocolate to sip mindfully.
Try miso soup for a healthier alternative.

Enjoy warming meals like stews and casseroles. Cook a batch, and get ahead of yourself.

Make home-made soups or get baking.

Bake biscuits for presents.

Social Connection

Have a Zoom meet up or video chat on What’s App.

Keep up with attending groups and connecting with others.

Meet up with a friend for a walk.

Ring someone you’ve not been in touch with for a while.

Play simple board games.

Meet for a coffee.

Try some old-fashioned letter writing.

Look at courses and workshops to join in with on rfcommunityconnections.org.uk

Stay Mindful 

Nourish your senses and stay engaged by keeping your mind and senses busy.

Read a good book.

Find a good box set to watch or re-watch a favourite film using the Netflix share feature.

Complete word searches or crosswords.

Do some craft activities.

Visit the library.

Journalling.

Ultimately, it’s finding what brings you a sense of mindfulness and embracing the present and savouring the moment, which often means slowing down from the hectic pace of modern life.

by the Friday Support Circle

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