Tips and Tricks on How to Make It Through Wintertime

Whilst some people look forward to cosy winter days, others dread the long dark nights and cold and rainy weather they bring along. Embracing winter activities can help: from sipping hot drinks like spiced wine to wearing your favourite jumpers, baking cookies, and trying out various pumpkin recipes. However, it's important to acknowledge that shorter days and less sunlight can affect our mood. By finding ways to appreciate the season, you can create a more positive winter experience. 

A Note on Mental Health 
We won’t discuss serious issues like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) but will focus on the “winter blues.” This term describes mild feelings of sadness or tiredness in winter that appear periodically, not a mental disorder. If you need help for more serious issues, please check the resources at the bottom of this page. 

Now let's get into the things that can help us to get through the season happily and healthily.

Stay Active 

Moving your body is great for your physical and mental health in winter. Exercise helps release chemicals that can boost your mood and reduce stress. You don’t need a strict workout plan—just 30 minutes of movement each day can help. Try to go for a walk during the day to catch some daylight. For ideas, check out our walking routes, like the poem walk in the Leiden area, or join a sports club. 

Eat Well 

Eating good food is important for feeling strong and healthy. Focus on fresh, nutritious foods to keep your energy up and avoid getting sick during winter. At the weekly markets in the Leiden area (all listed on our events page!), you can find a large variety of fresh vegetables and fruit, baked goods, fish and more. Leiden is also home to the oldest tea shop in the Netherlands.  

Stay Social 

As it gets colder, it's tempting stay home and spend less time with friends. But social connections are important for feeling good. Try to meet with friends and family regularly. It can feel like a chore sometimes, but spending time with loved ones can really boost your mood. You can also take part in our monthly meet and mingles, or check our events page for other social events. 

Be Kind to Yourself

Remember, many people feel down during winter—it’s normal. While talking about your feelings can help, it’s also important to be kind to yourself. Take time to rest, but also encourage yourself to do things that make you feel better, like spending time on your favourite hobby. 

Things to do during wintertime 

When being outside for extended periods isn’t very inviting, find some cosy activities! For example, you can watch a movie at one of the many theatres in Leiden. Kijkhuis offers weekly expat screenings; international films with English subtitles. Also, with the arrival of Sinterklaas in Leiden, the Winter Wonder Weeks start. There will be plenty of events, such as a Christmas market and an ice skating rink to visit. Learn more about current seasonal events here. 

A 101 on winter clothes  

If you’re new to cold and damp climates, here are some winter wardrobe tips. During transitional months (October-November and March-April), layering is key. Start with a body warmer, add a long sleeve, shirt, sweater, and jacket, adjusting as needed for temperature changes throughout the day—think of it as dressing like an onion! 

Since it rains often, invest in a good rain jacket or poncho and pants that cover your shoes for comfortable biking. You don’t want to arrive at your destination soaked. Also, get yourself a proper winter jacket, gloves, beanie, and scarf, as biking in a breeze can cool down exposed skin quickly. 

You can find affordable rain gear at Hema. For outdoor gear, consider visiting Bever or Decathlon. TK-Maxx is a great option for discounted brands, while Uniqlo offers reliable basics. If you’re looking for sustainable clothing, Patagonia is pricier but known for its durability and offers free repairs for damaged items. If you’re on a budget, check out second-hand shops like Kringloop or the “Weggeefwinkel” in Leiden. 

Try Other Options 

You can also explore things like light therapy or vitamin D supplements, which some people find helpful. Always talk to your doctor before starting any supplements, as taking too much isn’t always better. 

By using these tips, you can feel better and enjoy the colder months ahead. Please feel free to contact our author Anna if you think there should be additional points on this list. We always value input from our community.  

 

If you or someone around you is struggling more severely, we urge you to consult your GP. They can connect you and/or those around you with psychological help (some GPs have psychological assistance on their own premises). Outside office hours, you can contact the ‘Out of hours doctor’s post’ in Leiden  or The Hague. 

 If you do not yet have a GP, there are other resources you can consult in the meantime, such as the chat hepline of the red cross +31 97010286964) and or call the Samaritans Helpline (via 116 123). Behind both numbers there are people ready to help you 24/7. 

Life-threatening situations: Call 112 

Suicidal thoughts:  

• call 0800-0113  

• You can also  call your country's hotline 

• or chat online via 113.nl  (click on ‘Chatten’) or your country's  online chat service 

 

Photo: Kees Hummel