Take the time to nourish your mind, body and soul this season with these uplifting tips from the ClassBento team…
The colder, darker days of winter can have a negative effect on your mood, but welcoming small, soothing changes into your routine and embracing little spirit-raising acts of creativity can keep you smiling through the chillier months.
1. “I stay upbeat with plenty of exercise, daylight and bracing walks by the sea wrapped up in a snuggly hat!” - Laura, content team
As little as 30 minutes exposure to natural light a day can improve mental health and help maintain a healthy sleep pattern in the chillier months. Popping on a cosy hat can take your winter walks to the next level and make you more likely to head outdoors.
From jewel-coloured beanies with pom poms aplenty to intricately cabled designs in neutral tones, grab a comfy hat and soak up that blissful winter sunshine. Add some cosy creativity to your days by learning to knit your own with a pom pom hat DIY kit.
2. “Get baking! I love making comforting and great-tasting treats like apple pie and ginger biscuits with flavours like nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice.” - Gemma, growth partner team
From steaming hot pies and gooey desserts to warming sponges topped with creamy custard, winter bakes will envelop you in a big warm hug, full of the sweet and spicy smells of autumn and winter.
Heartwarming and downright delicious, learning to make an array of decadent treats at a baking class will help to keep your home and your heart warm this winter. What better reason to get out of the house and into the fresh air than the promise of a warming sweet treat at the end?
3. “When the weather's bright, crisp and chilly, nothing beats a bit of comfort food in the evenings.” - Dan, content team
Warming casseroles, spicy curries and hearty stews are all winter mealtime staples and are a brilliant way to nourish your body during the colder half of the year. Finish them off with a deliciously sticky pudding for an added treat for the senses.
Keep your mind active and your skills fresh by taking a winter cooking class this year. You’ll soon be able to warm up those chilly toes in the kitchen, surrounded by glorious scents and fabulous flavours!
4. “Soak up all the sun you can and have plenty of warm drinks. I work from home so I sit by the window to get as much natural light as possible.” - Charlie, creative team
If you’re part of the WFH crew, sitting in a bright spot at home and treating yourself to an indulgent cuppa to break up your working day can really boost your mood.
Supercharge your WFH routine by recreating your favourite beverage from the comfort of your kitchen with a virtual barista class this winter – learn about beans, blending and brewing without having to take off your slippers. Kick off your day with a home-brewed espresso and warm up your afternoon with a post-lunch pumpkin spiced latte in a beam of sunlight!
5. “I'm all about the hygge! I like to bring the outside in with lots of plants to make my space cosy.” - Phoebe, content team
Embracing nature is great for physical and mental health, so filling your space with greenery in the colder months is a brilliant way to boost your wellbeing.
Whether you’re already a passionate plant parent or simply miss tending your garden in the winter, make a glass terrarium (or three!) and bring the outside in.
6. “Have as many self-care days as possible and enjoy some relaxing hot baths in the evenings.” - Shenice, growth partner team
Whether you’ve had a long day at work or a long walk in the cold, a bedtime bath is warming, comforting and nourishing. A good soak in the tub is also good for your brain and body.
Boost your bathtime with a selection of homemade aromatherapy bath bombs, scented with all-natural essential oils that will help you to warm up, unwind and relax.
7. “Candles! From the soothing scents to the flickering flame, lighting a candle in the cold, dark days really helps to rebalance my mind.” - Vicky, content team
A flickering flame is a great way to cultivate cosiness in the winter. Curl up next to a crackling fire or snuggle in with a collection of candles. Choose settling scents and eco-friendly wax and embrace the calm.
Combine a little winter outing with some creativity at a cocktail and candle making class, and then head home to fill your space with handmade soy candles.
8. “I really revel in warm moments like taking a bath, enjoying a good bowl of soup or getting wrapped up in a blanket.” - Betty, content team
When it’s cold outside, cuddling up indoors can feel wonderful. Don’t underestimate the power of downtime this winter and ensure you make room in your day to cuddle up and take a break. A warming blanket is always a welcome addition when it’s chilly.
From the traditional granny square for true vintage vibes to brightly coloured stripes that will brighten even the darkest winter, learning how to crochet a pile of handmade blankets is the key to levelling up your sofa snuggles this season! Doing something creative and getting into the flow state is a great way to boost your spirits too.
9. “Pack in as many wintry walks as you can manage to scrape up all the vitamin D you can, preferably with a hot beverage of choice.” - Niall, growth partner team
Comforting, warming and familiar – there’s nothing like the great British cuppa after a spell outside to calm your mind, soothe your soul and warm your cold bones.
Level up your brew this winter and learn how to blend your own leaves at a tea tasting experience, where you’ll learn all about the history of tea and master the art of concocting the perfect cuppa. Kettle on, feet up, relax!
10. “I love wrapping up and going for a hike. Even if I'm exploring familiar places, everything looks different in the picturesque winter months. Taking in the snow-covered scenery is a brilliant distraction after a busy day and always puts a massive smile on my face.” - Dom, content team
Bracing walks in nippy weather are one of life’s delights; cosy knits, flasks of decadently rich hot chocolate, and crisp, clear air are a great way to spark joy. A walk in nature can also boost your attention span and have restorative benefits on the mind, improving your mood and making you feel refreshed.
Wintry wanders are a brilliant opportunity to practise your picture-taking skills, so why not have a go at a photography class and get snapping? From ice-tipped leaves and snow-covered hills to dramatic dark skies and breathtaking winter sunsets, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your wintertime Insta content!
11. “Get on holiday or if you can’t, do something to remind you of sunny days travelling.” - Robbie, Business Development
A little winter sun is a great mood-boosting idea. If only our budgets would stretch to an overseas trip! No worries – recreate that sun-filled feeling by diving into some travel documentaries, scrapbook your summer or cook some of your favourite foods from different countries.
Bring a sunnier climate into your kitchen this winter with a global taste adventure! Learning how to cook warming Indian curries, aromatic Vietnamese broth and spicy Mexican street food will transport you away from any dull wintry days ahead.
All of these tips can help to give you a sense of cosiness and resilience when the colder days of autumn and winter feel tough, but everyone is different and it may take time to find out what works for you - be patient with yourself and focus on what makes you smile.
Retaining balance in our lives can be tricky throughout the year, not just during the shorter days, but there’s lots of help available if you’re finding things hard. Sign up for Mental Health UK’s balance newsletter to get regular tips on mental health management, activities to support wellbeing and ways to keep up an everyday balance.
If you’re concerned about your mental health or someone else's wellbeing, seek support from your GP immediately or reach out to Mental Health UK.
