It's been a long winter, hasn't it? Even though the smell of spring is just around the corner, many of us here in Aotearoa-New Zealand are still dealing with rain, cold, lack of sunlight, ice on our windscreens, and the low mood that can hit particularly hard when things are grey and dreary outside. This winter has had its own challenges, as we deal with the ongoing effects of COVID and a tough flu season.

We've put together a list of tips, tricks, and advice for getting through the 'winter blues.'

1. Hibernate

Winter is a time when nature slows down, and the cold, rainy weather is a sign for us to slow down, too. Sit down with a nice cuppa and a book. Take a bath and pamper yourself.

2. Search for positives

Things may feel heavy during seasonal changes, but there is always something to be grateful for. Each day, aim to write down at least one positive experience, big or small, that happened to you that day.

3. Get some sunlight – or vitamin D

We know it can be hard to get enough sunlight in the winter – especially when the sky is grey outside! Getting enough sun is important in maintaining good overall health.

4. Keep an activity planner

It's important to have things to look forward to each day – and there are plenty of fun activities you can still do during the winter! Going to the movies, going for a walk, starting a book club, or even just going around to a friend's house for tea can be enough to stave off the winter blues.

5. Follow the Maramataka

The Maramataka, or Māori lunar calendar, marks the phases of the moon across a lunar month. It has been used in various forms for thousands of years, providing useful information on when to plant seeds, gather seafood, and harvest kai. The Maramataka also notes days of high and low energy, and some people find it helpful to track their moods and plan their activities around the cycles of the moon.