British Winter: It’s Cold, Wet, and Miserable. Or Is It?

Winter can feel relentless. The mornings are dark, the afternoons are gloomy, and the cold

seems to settle into your bones. Those who work with me know I’m always cold, so

my therapy room is always kept super warm in the winter! For many, especially those

who’ve grown up in sunnier climates, the shorter days of a British winter can be a real

challenge.

But what if this season didn’t have to feel so heavy? What if we could stop fighting against

the cold, the darkness, and the drizzle, and instead focus on ways to make it work for us?

The end of each year invites us to pause and reflect. Much like nature itself, we too can

use this season to rest, renew, and prepare for whatever the future has in store.

Why Winter Feels So Hard

Let’s start by acknowledging the obvious: winter can feel inherently challenging. The lack of

sunlight affects our mood and energy levels, often making us feel more lethargic, less

motivated and struck by seasonal affective disorder (SAD). We naturally feel more energetic

in the spring/summer, when there’s more sunlight and the BBQ invites start popping up.

Shorter days disrupt our natural rhythms, making it harder to maintain the motivation and connection we often feel in the summer. The colder weather encourages us to stay indoors,

and while this can feel cosy at times, it can also lead to isolation, loneliness or restlessness.

For those who have moved to the UK from elsewhere, this adjustment can present

additional challenges. The absence of warm, sunlit days during December—a time often

associated with summer holidays for many —can feel draining. And for those of us who’ve

spent most of our winters in the UK, the gloom can still take its toll – it doesn’t get any

easier!

Winter demands something different from us. Nature isn’t designed to flourish during these

months; it’s designed to rest. Trees shed their leaves to conserve energy, animals slow down

to preserve resources, and the world around us pauses in preparation for spring. For those

of us living in London, this feels like a big ask. In a city that praises hard work, success,

promotions and competition, slowing down doesn’t feel like a viable option. So, have a think

about what’s right for you. Are you someone who thrives in winter, or someone who sees a

drop in their motivation? Either answer is okay. The key is to understand who you are, so

you can adapt your plans and make the year work for you.

Acceptance and Action: How to Embrace the Season

The colder, darker days might not be something we can change, but we can choose how we

respond to them. This is where Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) comes in. ACT

encourages us to stop fighting with the things we can't control and instead focus on the

things that we can – the aspects of our lives where we have power.

You don’t have to love winter, but you can make a deliberate choice to work with it.

Acceptance isn’t about ignoring how difficult it feels; it’s about acknowledging the hardship

and choosing to respond with intention over resistance. By letting go of the battle, you’ll

free up vital energy that you can redirect into making the most of the months to come.

Start small:

• Create a cosy sanctuary for evenings and weekends. Add warmth to your surroundings with soft lighting, blankets, or candles. A comforting space can shift your mindset from enduring winter to embracing it. If you don’t feel like going out, invite friends to yours for dinner and a catch-up – the darker days don’t need to lead to isolation.

• Get outside. Natural light, fresh air, and movement will all help boost your mood, even o the shortest days. We know how important exercise is for mental health, and how much fresh air can help invigorate us and improve our productivity throughout the day. While the days are shorter, make the most of the daylight hours and slot in a lunchtime walk where possible. If you’re based near us in Fulham, Bishop’s Park and the Thames’ towpath are looking beautiful at the moment, and there’s always the festive light trail at Kew Gardens to check out. Be deliberate in your plans and make the most of the outside spaces we have on our doorstep.

• Adjust your goals. I’m naturally more sociable in the summer – often seeing friends, exercising outdoors and enjoying the long, light evenings with good company. I’m also more likely to travel abroad to capitalise on the good weather. This makes winter a great time for my business – planning for the next year, completing any CPD that intrigues me and making improvements in our services and operations. Having clear goals for the winter helps you to stay focused and make the most of each season.

  Reflect compassionately on the year. The end of each year is a natural time to pause

  and take stock. Consider the lessons of the past year, acknowledge your growth, and

  think about what you’d like to leave behind as you move forward. I’m a big fan of

  self-reflection but want my clients to steer clear of self-judgement, self-criticism or getting stuck in negativity. If this hasn’t been a great year, that’s okay. Let’s let it go

  and start afresh in January. If it has been a good year for you, that’s great – look at

  why so we can capture it and continue with the healthy habits that are paying off.

  
  

These aren’t groundbreaking actions, but they don’t need to be. We just need to be more

deliberate in how we spend our time and start to see the benefits of each season.

Winter as a Season of Renewal and Self Care

Winter doesn’t ask for productivity—it asks for patience. Much like the trees that let go of

their leaves to prepare for new growth, we too can use this season to reset, recharge and

let go of what no longer serves us. It might be a habit, a mindset, or a pressure we’ve been

carrying.

It’s also a time for gratitude - not so much for the hardships(!), but for the strength we’ve

developed in getting this far. Gratitude can help shift our perspective, allowing us to

appreciate the moments of joy and beauty when they come along. A sunny winter’s day can

be incredibly beautiful, and winter offers stunning sunsets, wholesome entertainment,

hearty meals, and plenty of quality time with friends and family.

Yes, winter can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. By accepting what we can’t

change and focusing on what we can, we can make the season feel a little lighter.

The shortest day is also a turning point. The light will return, the days will lengthen, and

brighter times are ahead. But for now, let’s honour this season for what it is: a time to

pause, reflect, and renew. If you’re a high-achiever, as so many of my clients are, look at the

winter as a time to nourish your mind, plan for the year ahead, and take stock of how far

you’ve come. With most offices closing between Christmas and New Year, it’s the perfect

time to have a guilt-free break, knowing you’re charging your batteries, ready for the next

challenge or goal.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, alone or low right now, know that you’re not alone. Our

team of specialists at Vitus Wellbeing are here to support you—whether you’re navigating

your own darker days or setting goals for brighter ones ahead – contact us and we’ll match

you to the right therapist for you.

Vitus Wellbeing

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www.vituswellbeing.com | info@vituswellbeing.com | 0208 0909 517

Vitus Wellbeing supports children, adolescents, adults, couples and families with their mental health and relationships. Our specialist team offer child and adult psychotherapy and parent coaching, both in person in Fulham, London, and online. Our practitioners are highly qualified and experienced, each with their own specialisms and approach. For more information or support, or to enquire about working with our team, please contact us.