It’s mid-winter, which means spirits are at an all-time low as people await the warmth and sunshine of spring. For some, this is a treasured time of year. They get to hunker down, get cosy, and avoid those noisy social outings. But others might be simply waiting for winter to end.
Luckily for locals, Brighton is a great place to live. Even throughout the winter’s darkest and coldest months, they can head to the Brighton Pier, take a walk along the beach or promenade, and explore locations like The Old Market or Patterns. Despite being a relatively small place, Brighton really does have plenty to offer—and tons of character.
But when it comes to beating the winter blues, it might take more than an ice skating trip or a night dancing at Patterns to keep spirits high. If you’re wondering how to uplift the mood a bit, then consider trying something new with one of the activities mentioned below.
Get the Blood Pumping… to Your Brain
When we exercise our minds, we create new neural pathways. New neural pathways help our brain function at a higher speed, connecting new ideas together. If you’re feeling a bit blue, then exercising your brain is one of the easiest ways to change your outlook.
While exercising the brain probably sounds like a chore, there are actually dozens of fun ways to do it. Consider a casino game, for example. Even a casual title like roulette involves enough probability-based thinking to get the brain kicked into high gear. Today, online casinos offer a few different options to choose from, so you can find a variation that works for you. If you’ve never played before, explore strategies like D’Alembert, Martingale, and Fibonacci. It’ll give your brain tons to chew on.
Stay Cozy Around the Fire
Just like learning something new can help fortify the brain against the blues, so can snuggling up around a fire. It won’t create new neural pathways like playing a maths-based game will; instead, it helps fortify the body against the winter blues.
That’s because, according to the NHS, staying physically warm can help the body fight emotional lows. How does that work? It’s really as simple as keeping the body warm by sitting around a fire, drinking tea, and wearing warm socks, which can boost energy and sociability, aid in sleep, and prevent overeating.
Queue Up Those Comedies
Just like challenging the brain helps fortify it against the blues, and staying physically warm keeps the body healthy and happy, setting aside time for a bit of laughter is also a great option. This comes down to knowing which sorts of activities get you laughing.
For many, it’s as simple as sitting down and creating a queue for their Netflix or Hulu account. And just like playing a game like roulette, laughter stimulates the brain and protects it against seasonal woes. Best of all, laughter is contagious, so this is definitely a group activity.
Host a Winter Wonderland
Sometimes, getting out of a winter funk isn’t as easy as laughing, sitting around a fire, or playing a game. Instead, we might need to challenge ourselves to go a bit bigger. If you’re feeling unmotivated and can’t seem to beat the blues, then invite your closest friends over to tackle the activities mentioned above.
After all, it might not be appealing to play roulette alone or watch a film like The Hangover all by yourself. If that’s the case, then invite the people who make you feel the happiest, then set up a little gaming area by the computer or prep some hot cocoa for the couch and get a movie queued up.
By hosting a winter wonderland in your own home, you can dive into multiple ways of beating the winter blues—social time included. Best of all, it’s an excuse to get your friends together, who may also be anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring.
