Beat the winter blues and embrace every season for better mental health

At Union Plus, we know that financial security is a major contributor to overall well-being. But did you know the changing seasons in New Zealand can also impact your mental health?

Now that winter has started, shorter days and cooler weather can bring a shift in mood for many. The good news is that by recognising these seasonal cycles and adapting your routine, you can maintain good balance and stability throughout the year.

How to Make the Most of Each Season

Winter: Battling the Blues 

Winter challenges us with its cold and shorter days, sometimes leading to isolation or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). However, it also offers us a chance to find peace and comfort in its quieter moments—if you love cosying up with a good book or TV show when it’s raining outside, you know what we mean!

To fend off the winter blues, it’s important to stay active, maximise your exposure to natural light, and maintain a nutritious diet. Although a good takeaway pizza can be appealing and convenient in the cooler months, opting for fruits and vegetables and reducing processed foods can make a significant difference in how you feel during winter.

Winter may make us all want to hibernate indoors, but for the good of your mental health, try to maintain or boost your social interactions and connections with others. If you don’t feel like going out, invite friends or family over for dinner instead.

Spring: Renewal and Rejuvenation

While it might seem a bit far off right now, the arrival of spring brings with it renewal and growth. This is a good season to increase your activity levels and strengthen social connections that might have been reduced during winter. This is also an ideal time for practising mindfulness, which can dramatically improve mental health.

Consider a physical and digital spring cleaning—decluttering your living and online spaces not only reduces stress but acts as a physical exercise that prepares you for the brighter days ahead.

Summer: Joy and Balance

Us Kiwis always love a good summer—backyard barbecues and beach cricket are just a few of our collective favourite things that can only truly be appreciated in summer. 

Because summer brings with it extended daylight hours and ample sunlight, it boosts our mood and essential vitamin D levels. But when there’s a routine to maintain and finances to think about, it’s important to strike a balance between work responsibilities and leisure to maintain a positive mindset. 

Summer in New Zealand also means the festive season, which can lead to many people experiencing heightened mental health symptoms. Take some time out during the silly season to look after yourself and set realistic expectations.

Autumn: Reflect and Recharge

Autumn, with its crisp air and falling leaves, invites us to slow down and reflect. It’s the perfect season for reflecting and recharging so make sure you’re engaging with the stunning natural scenery of the great outdoors to reduce stress and boost mental clarity. 

This is a great time to start integrating activities like reading, meditating, and regular exercising into your daily routine to help you mentally and physically prepare for winter.

Consider taking breaks from your digital devices too to help rebalance your mental and emotional state and build a deeper connection with both yourself and your environment.

By aligning our lifestyles with the natural seasonal cycle—through exercise, diet, social activities, and mindfulness—we can connect more deeply with nature, enhance our mental wellbeing and lead a more balanced life. As you navigate the financial and personal complexities of life in New Zealand, let the changing seasons guide you toward a healthier state of mind and financial stability.