For many of us, winter is a time of year that sometimes gives us the feeling of winter blues. The days are shorter and greyer, the temperatures are falling and you can't do the activities that are fun outside.

The dark season can be particularly challenging for people with psoriasis . The skin reacts more sensitively and the immune system may already be weakened. It's all too easy for your mood to suffer and for you to not feel so good.

Tips for combating a bad mood in winter

But don't worry, there are a few little things that can help you face the winter slump positively and ensure your mental well-being. Here are some tips:

Enjoy exercise, light and fresh air

Even though it may be cold and wet outside, a short walk or some exercise in the open air can do wonders. The body produces its happiness hormones and the mood improves. Even on cloudy days, a walk through the nearby forest or a hike in the snow is enough distraction and fitness at the same time. Alternatively, a swim in the indoor pool provides exercise and the right balance.

Consciously spend time outdoors on sunny days and give your body vitamin D and a good mood. It's a good idea to explore new paths or places in the area. Many cities and regions have signposted hiking or walking trails that offer new things to discover off the beaten track.

One option, for example, is to download the free hiking app for your own federal state. Here you will usually find detailed route suggestions with information about sights or nature along the way. Tourism associations also often offer hiking maps or guides for download. In this way, the walk can be expanded to include an exciting discovery tour that gives both body and mind a breath of fresh air.

 

Planning and future

Appointments in the calendar or small projects give something to do and something to expect. Especially in winter, when the days are short, it's important to set smaller goals and move forward.

This could be a shared cooking evening with friends, for which individual courses are prepared in advance. Or you can plan a craft class or work on a DIY project to encourage creativity and patience. Even meaningful home projects like organizing or minor repairs give a good feeling of productivity.

Appointments in the calendar, such as a planned visit to a museum or an evening at the cinema, make it possible to look forward to future activities. This way, you stay strengthened, balanced and motivated despite cloudy days.

Maintain social contacts

In the dark season it is particularly important to meet up with friends or family and distract yourself. Especially in winter, cozy evenings on the couch with loved ones are a great way to enjoy the good feeling of company and being together.

For those who tend to live alone, activities in a group are now particularly worthwhile. Many clubs or communities offer more events during the cold season to counteract isolation. Whether cooking for seniors, reading to children or baking together - social exchange keeps your spirit fit and sustainably lifts your mood.

Relaxation exercises

Simple breathing or meditation exercises ensure inner peace and balance. Relaxation techniques practiced regularly can help reduce stress hormones and prepare the body for regeneration.

Various breathing techniques such as conscious inhaling and exhaling have both mental and physical benefits. Simple exercises such as the abdominal breathing exercise, in which the stomach is consciously raised when inhaling and lowered when exhaling, can be done anywhere. Progressive muscle relaxation is also easy for everyone to implement and helps to relax tense parts of the body in a targeted manner. You can find free training plans or suitable YouTube videos on the Internet and can put together your very own relaxation routine.

Enough sleep

The body needs more rest in winter. A good balance between tension and relaxation is particularly important. In the cold months, the need for sleep increases as the organism uses more energy for thermoregulation.

Especially now it is advisable to listen to your own internal clock and go to bed earlier. You should have at least 7-9 hours of undisturbed sleep in order to start the day feeling fit and rested. If you have trouble falling asleep, light relaxation exercises, a sleep ritual such as reading or a warm bath can help.

The sleeping environment also plays a role: darkness, low noise levels and a room temperature between 18-21 degrees promote restful sleep.

 

Soothing care

A bath with essential oils or a relaxing massage can rejuvenate your body and mind. In the cold season, the skin especially craves moisturizing care - ourpsoriasis cream is perfect for this!

A warm full bath with just a few drops of essential oils such as lavender, lemon balm or lemon has a relaxing and mood-enhancing effect. Likewise, massages with moisturizers can do wonders for blood circulation and skin elasticity.

If you have time for yourself, we recommend wellness offers such as a whirlpool or steam bath in the hotel's spa. Here you can relieve winter stress wonderfully and your body and mind can relax.

With little touches like this for yourself, you can beat the winter blues more easily. Our tip would be to simply consciously try out one of these ideas - the days will become brighter again.