Winter - how to survive and not get depresssed

Stock pile some good books, restart baking new recipes, on line daily appropriate exercise routine.

Should have said I mean outdoor activities.

Walks in the light of day is a good idea, especially if you can meet a friend or a bunch of friends and walk together ending up at a cafe for a chat and a laugh.
Dark nights are more problematic and watching a bit of telly isn’t awful, put the lamps on and a candle or two or have fairylights in the room to feel cosy.Buy some bright cushions.
Play music and read or do puzzles.

Any evening classes locally?

I actually like autumn and winter because I love going for long rambles and the weather recently has been too hot in my neck of the woods to walk very far. Doesn't matter where you live, as long as the weather is dry, wrap up well, wear a waterproof or keep it rolled up in a backpack, just in case, take snacks and water, then set off. A walking companion would be good if you have a partner/husband or good friend, get them involved, or see if there is a walking group in your area. Twice a week is something to aim for with longer rambles, but keep up with shorter walks/strolls inbetween, stamina levels will increase if you do. I find colder weather far more conducive to long rambles, and the scenery can be every bit as beautiful in autumn/winter. Don't know if you live near the countryside but if not drive or take a bus to somewhere that has a public footpath. Always best if rambling alone to message a friend to let them know the route you are taking and the time you set off.
Enjoy.

I swim daily in a heated outdoor pool all year.It is my lifesaver in Winter,I do a 1,000m each time.

I have found it to be so good for my mental health.I am
76 now and only been swimming for the past few years.

Not everyone has access to heated outdoor pools!

I am watching this thread with interest, as I share OPs depression at this time of year. Usually I'm over it by October, but for me it is the post-Christmas drag that really gets to me.

I am looking forward to some great suggestions!

Thank you for good ideas. I feel inspired already. Please keep them coming.

I am watching this thread too - my OH feels the cold much more than I do and he is often reluctant to take a bracing walk on a chilly day. Have to admit that a long, dark, miserable winter isn't a happy prospect.

I too dread the dark nights and closing the curtains mid afternoon.

I count the days after Xmas when minute by minute the light comes back.

I have invested in some lovely solar lights which I have round our small courtyard garden. They are even on during the winter if they have had a small amount of sunlight to power them.

I have a 20 - 25 minute walk each day year round and have waterproof trousers in case it is raining.

Depending on how mobile you are , most areas have a dog rescue centre. They always need volunteer dog walkers, it's so rewarding and you meet loads of new people

I will add to the suggestion I made above about rambling, that winter can be a good season to 'make' something, I have a good friend who makes her own Xmas cards, she buys a kit from hobbycraft I think or I suppose you could look online, you don't have to be a great artist, is mainly cut and paste.
Also some charities are desperate for volunteers to help out with the homeless in winter, mobile units will go out to provide blankets, hot drinks, soup etc. Or you could volunteer to serve meals in a homeless shelter. Seeing how others benefit from your efforts will help counter your depression. Look for local homeless projects in your area.

Walk daily and at the brightest part of the day.

Sit under a SAD light it every day.

Book a holiday if you can afford it for the worst month (for me, that’s February). Oddly, I’d rather go somewhere that has - and deals well with - a proper winter, so I can snowshoe and cross-country ski, than to a warm place, but you may prefer the heat.

I try to do something fun every month: my daughter-in-law has a big Hallowe’en party, we celebrate Thanksgiving, I have an open house on Christmas Eve, and usually go to some seasonal markets in December; I go away for a long weekend in January; and for a week or two in February. I have a lot of winter-born grandchildren, so spend time most months making either birthday or Christmas cakes.

Look for interesting events and exhibitions: we have two nearby Christmas festivals, which are at least an excuse to drink mulled wine; there are two British Library exhibitions I fancy this winter, and several good films coming out. I subscribe to local listings sites, tourist, museum and theatre newsletters and the like so I get notice of what is on.

I go to the gym twice a week, and meet friends afterwards for lunch, and if there’s a hint of warmth, I take my bike out for a while.

And, sorry to say, despite all that, by the end of February every year, I’m still a miserable hateful wreck.

My exact thoughts too, Skydancer, and I was considering a short study course to get me through the dark days of Winter. I’m outdoors as much as possible, walking the dog, gardening, walking with friends, also volunteering at our local charity shop but come the gloom of the afternoon, I start to go downhill. Lighting the log fire and candles and cooking does help, but the short days are difficult to deal with.

I think if you have recognised the dangers inherent in a long period of wet, dark, cold days you are part of the way towards finding the solution which works for you.
Getting depressed is something we may have little control over but when you spot the signs approaching it can help to have your own strategies “up your sleeve “
I have posted before now asking what people do when they feel that dark cloud approaching and we each have our favourites.
A good hot shower in the morning, a luxury shower gel, knowing which clothes will lift your spirits because you feel good in them, ringing a friend and inviting her for coffee - or suggesting you both go out, maybe a favourite book or author, planning a couple of things to give your week structure , a bit of a window shopping trip, a brisk walk, if the weather is truly awful, admit defeat and watch a favourite DVD or Netflix - these were some ideas.
My MIL warned me that “winters are long” when you are widowed but actually I find hunkering down no worse (and often better) than hearing everybody else enjoying themselves at barbecues in gardens up and down the street (which I am not sharing,) .
I like your idea of getting the right clothing, if you feel comfortable and perhaps brightly coloured that should lift your spirits as well.

By coincidence, I have been mentally planning what I shall do during the next few months. A holiday in the sun in November will set me up but then it is down to me. So far, I will have an exercise class on Tuesday, volunteering on Friday, plan on organising a walk with friends on Wednesdays to a local cafe, so not bad. Considering stopping the Sainsbury's weekly shop and doing regular walks to the local Coop instead. Jigsaws, books, maybe, if I am really bored......shoving the vacuum around a bit.

Firstly, I really love crisp November days and walk a lot, so that gets me through to December, then I find a Christmas Carol choir (doesn’t have to be a church choir) which gets me through December to January (I agree with other posters, post Christmas is when winter really starts getting me down).

One of the things I’ve done in the past, is embrace winter by going to somewhere like Edinburgh for a break in the new year, because if it’s going to be cold, you may as well be even colder, and have a change of scenery😁. February … argh, luckily it’s a short month, I mark the days off on the calendar.. Then comes March and - here in the South East, by then I’m back outside scouting for signs of Spring …

‘One of the things I’ve done in the past, is embrace winter by going to somewhere like Edinburgh for a break in the new year, because if it’s going to be cold, you may as well be even colder, and have a change of scenery😁.’
I’ve been to Edinburgh at the end of January. It was great, all the museums, galleries open but hardly any tourists. We did have clear crisp weather which helped.

I hate the especially wet miserable winter it does affect my mood as it makes my joints ache even more. I keep busy at home cooking baking planning gardening for better days. I love reading and doing short online courses with little or no cost. I knit for charity and enjoy knowing it helps others keep cosy and warm.
We live a couple of minutes away from what was previously a railway line it stretches for miles. It's very popular its a mixed area woodland meadows and cycle paths. Wrapping up on a cold preferably dry day and walking is good for the mood. Going home to a slow cooked meal is a delight and for me it chases the winter blues away for while at least.

Sounds like you are already working towards a plan. Best thing not to let the dread of Winter, cold, lack of light just take over and get you down!

Being outside - my own favourite place and I hate any lack of sunlight - means that you WILL need suitable and practical clothing. Something for walking and both water and windproof so that you don't get caught out and you can enjoy the outdoors. If you don't already, do think about layers and start with some light thermals - long johns and a long sleeved vest once the days get cold. An extra fine layer of insulation like that next to your skin will do wonders when it's cold. Layers are a good idea so your outer layer should be able to accommodate items underneath for even the coldest days. Hats, scarves, gloves, warm socks. This should mean that your plan to go on long walks (join a Ramblers group ?) will work and you'll also be tempted to get out in the fresh air whatever the weather. Start your outside plans when it's daylight and be determined to always be back at home before it's dark. Put up some little welcoming lights outside? Why not think to make some changes to the inside of your home, think about a more Scandinavian approach, something along the lines of Hygge, the Danish 'cosy' description : have your home filled with comfy places to sit, no bare windows after dark, a corner seat next to books, possibly a heater or wood burner, some treats to eat, music playlists, think of a bath or shower if you come home cold, have soft throws and cushions handy on the chairs for fighting any draughts, and very soft and comfortable clothing to wear in the house and to relax in. Hopefully after at least part of any day spent out in the winter air, and having taken lots of exercise, coming home to your own warm space with nice lighting might encourage you (sometimes) to put up your feet and watch something you have chosen on t.v., or spend some time with friends, playing old fashioned games perhaps, or cards, or a glass of wine. Maybe in this way, once you feel prepared, it's more likely you'll feel you can face winter head on...without feeling that you're trapped indoors looking out at too many short days and darkness.
🍂🍁❄️ 🌷🌞

I had the February blues last winter and like you Skydancer I am determined to avoid feeling so damn miserable again.
Winters where I live are WET. I have all the rain gear and go for walks twice a day with my dog.
I might take myself off for a short break after Christmas, not necessarily somewhere hot although one year a friend and I went to Cuba and that really set us up for the remaining winter.
I definitely benefit from exercise and I have just bought an eBike. Today I joined a group bike ride and enjoyed a couple of hours cycling in lovely scenery. So I hope to do more of that. I also find a weekly swim in the local pool very uplifting and intend to make the effort to keep that up over the winter.
I'm sure RosiesMaw2 is right about giving structure to the week.
We also need some outings or events on the calendar to look forward to.
Thanks for all the ideas.

Don’t think about it until it comes, then when it starts you can waste some time making your plans but by planning now you are taking away some of the short but very very sweet summer by thinking about winter
I dislike the long long cold winters… dark nights and short days it’s very depressing but I refuse to even think about till it’s here

I spend so much time out and about and in the garden cutting hedges etc. etc. throughout the summer months that I treat winter as a time to relax and do all the things I didn't have time to do when it was summer. I read, watch TV, clear out wardrobes, knit and anything else that needs doing indoors. We do get some lovely fresh sunny days in the winter so I will then take the opportunity to go for walks, but all in all. I enjoy whatever the days bring because at 81 going on 82 I am so glad I am still here and healthy.

I absolutely agree Bluebell, I don't even want to hear the nights are drawing in, it will be bad enough when it's dark at 4 pm, the winter can feel depressing ly long. Not to mention the focus on Christmas which has probably already started. Right now we've had a beautiful sunny week, and I thank God for that given summer started late this year.