Romanticising Winter: How to Beat the Winter Blues

Thank you for listening and supporting This Might Help.In this solo episode, Lauren unpacks what is actually happening in your brain and body when winter hits and why so many of us feel flat, exhausted, and like we're running on half-battery this time of year. This episode explores the psychological and biological reasons behind seasonal mood changes in winter and what we can do to support our well-being across the colder months. We also cover how to do those things when every part of you would rather stay under a doona, including how romanticising winter can help us take a whole new perspective on this time of year. You can find us on socials @thismighthelppodcast — Instagram and TikTokThe full video version of this episode is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@thismighthelppodcastSome of the key research we chat about can be found below:American Psychological Association. (2025, April 8). Nurtured by nature. Monitor on Psychology, 51(3). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-natureGollwitzer, P. M., & Sheeran, P. (2006). Implementation intentions and goal achievement: A meta-analysis of effects and processes. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 38, 69–119.Howarth, A., et al. (2023). The underexplored presence of seasonal affective disorder in the southern hemisphere: A narrative review of the Australian literature. Journal of Affective Disorders, 332, 192–201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.053Kim, K., Kim, J., Jung, S., Kim, H. W., Kim, H. S., Son, E., Ko, D. S., Yoon, S., Kim, B. S., Kim, W. K., Lim, C., Kim, K., Lee, D., & Kim, Y. H. (2025). Global prevalence of seasonal affective disorder by latitude: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of affective disorders, 390, 119807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.119807Leppämäki, S., Jaukka, J., Lönnqvist, J., et al. (2004). Drop-out and mood improvement: A randomised controlled trial with light exposure and physical exercise. BMC Psychiatry, 4, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-4-22Rosenthal, N. E., Sack, D. A., Gillin, J. C., et al. (1984). Seasonal affective disorder: A description of the syndrome and preliminary findings with light therapy. Archives of General Psychiatry, 41, 72–80.Additional support can be found through:Beyond Blue — https://www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636Lifeline — https://www.lifeline.org.au 13 11 14Headspace — https://headspace.org.au 1800 650 890 (for those aged 12–25)