In winter, many of us like to hunker down and get cosy at home with family and friends, eat comfort food, play games, and enjoy each other’s company. However, for some it can mean the winter blues, loneliness and isolation.

These dark and dreary winter months can certainly take a toll on our mental health, but there are ways to stay positive and help keep friends, family and even strangers’ spirits bright.

Get outside.

Getting outdoors and around nature is an instant mood booster and stress reliever.  The natural light gives that much-needed dose of vitamin D and breathing in that fresh air heightens our serotonin levels leaving us feeling great.

Hill climbing, walking around a country park, heading to the woods, strolling along the river, cycling – there are plenty of outdoor activities and pursuits to keep us energised. Go alone or even better, take a companion, and chase the sunshine!

Get gardening.

There’s still plenty to be done in the garden over the winter, such as digging over the soil, clearing leaves, refilling bird baths and choosing spring bulbs.

Just a couple of hours of gardening a day helps to lower blood and cholesterol levels, reduce risk of diabetes and strokes, and reduce stress levels and heart diseases. It’s also a great way to help keep you fit. Did you know that digging for 30 minutes gives you as much energy as a 2km run?

Growing flowers and vegetables, nurturing them from tiny seedlings can give a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Start planning a vegetable patch or enquire about an allotment and start connecting with other gardening enthusiasts.

Get chatting.

Being around friends and family brightens our mood. As does interacting and talking with new people.

That’s why Hartwell Nurseries has teamed up with the charitable organisation, ‘The Chatty Café Scheme’, to help get people who are feeling lonely into a safe, warm space to have a good old ‘chatter and natter’ and make new friends. Together they aim to reduce feelings of loneliness within local communities.

Keep active and interacting with others this winter and those happy hormones will keep flowing.

Happy gardening and happy new year.