Taking Care of Your Mental Health as We Head Into Winter

As the clocks change and the days grow shorter, many people begin to notice a shift in their mood, energy, and motivation. The darker evenings, colder weather, and reduced sunlight can all have an impact on how we feel — and for some, this time of year can feel particularly heavy or isolating.

As a Cardiff counsellor, I often see clients around this time of year who are finding it harder to maintain their usual balance. Whether it’s struggling with low energy, changes in sleep, or a dip in mood and motivation, these experiences are far more common than many people realise.

Why Winter Can Affect Our Wellbeing

The change in seasons affects both body and mind. With less sunlight, our bodies produce less serotonin — the hormone that helps regulate mood — and more melatonin, which can make us feel sleepy and sluggish. Add to that spending more time indoors, less social connection, and the pressure of the upcoming festive season, and it’s easy to see why many people start to feel overwhelmed.

Gentle Ways to Support Your Mental Health

You don’t have to make drastic changes to feel a difference. Often, it’s the small, consistent steps that help us feel more grounded and resilient. Here are a few ways to nurture yourself this winter:

Seek out natural light: Try to spend time outside during daylight hours — even a short walk at lunchtime can boost your mood.

Create calm indoor spaces: As we spend more time indoors, think about what helps you feel safe and settled. Soft lighting, cosy blankets, and calming scents can all help.

Stay connected: It’s tempting to withdraw when we feel low, but connection helps us feel less alone. Reach out to friends, family, or consider speaking with a Cardiff psychotherapist for professional support.

Nourish your body: Regular movement, balanced meals, and rest can all help regulate mood and energy.

Notice your thoughts: Winter can heighten self-critical or anxious thinking. Bringing gentle awareness to these patterns, and working through them in psychotherapy in Cardiff, can help you feel more in control and supported.

How Counselling Can Help

If you’ve noticed that your mood tends to dip as the seasons change, or that you’re finding it difficult to stay motivated or positive, counselling in Cardiff can offer a supportive space to explore what’s going on beneath the surface.

Therapy can help you:

• Understand how seasonal changes affect your emotions and routines.

• Develop coping strategies that feel realistic and kind.

• Build self-awareness and compassion through the darker months.

• Create stability and balance as you move through winter.

A Final Thought

Winter doesn’t have to be something you just “get through.” It can be a time for slowing down, reflection, and care. Taking time to focus on your mental health now can make the months ahead feel more manageable — even meaningful.

If you’d like to explore this with support, I offer a warm and confidential space here in Cardiff to help you navigate the challenges this season can bring.

📞 Call me on 07805 756 132

📧 Email me at marie@mfcounselling.co.uk

Marie Finan Counselling

Providing counselling and psychotherapy in Cardiff for individuals ready to take care of their mental health this winter.