As the colder months approach, you may begin to notice the little changes that winter brings: shorter days, crisp mornings, and a slower pace of life.
While the season can present challenges, it’s also an opportunity to focus on comfort, connection, and well-being. Staying well over winter is about more than avoiding the chill; it’s about nurturing both body and mind with small, mindful habits.
From keeping warm and eating well to staying active and socially connected, these simple steps may help you enjoy the season with confidence and ease.
Are you looking for extra support this winter? Reach out to our team at Reedsfield Care today. With compassionate care workers and local support across Surrey and Hampshire, we’re here to help.
Nurture your emotional well-being
As the pace of life slows and days become shorter, many older adults find winter brings quiet moments and time to reflect. But it can also lead to feelings of loneliness.
Staying connected, even in small ways, may help lift your spirits. A regular phone call, a cup of tea with a neighbour, or joining a local group or activity can create meaningful moments of connection.
If you find yourself feeling low or isolated, remember that support is always available. At Reedsfield Care, our care workers understand that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health, taking time to listen, share stories, and bring warmth to every visit.
Simple, practical steps to staying well
Winter doesn’t have to slow you down. With a few small routines and thoughtful habits, you can stay healthy, comfortable, and confident right through the season. Here are some simple ways to look after your wellbeing this winter.
1. Keep warm and comfortable
Aim to keep your living areas around 21°C, and to avoid dropping lower than 18°C. Layer your clothing, close curtains before dusk, and check your heating system early in the season. Warm blankets, thermal socks, and hot drinks can make a big difference on chilly days.
2. Eat nourishing, warming meals
Nutritious food helps maintain strength and energy during colder months. Enjoy warm soups, stews, and plenty of seasonal vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips.
Staying hydrated is just as important; herbal teas or warm water with lemon are good options. If appetite is low, try smaller, more frequent meals.
3. Stay active indoors
Gentle movement may help improve circulation, balance, and overall mood. Simple chair exercises, light stretching, or even walking around the house a few times each day may make a difference.
4. Look after your health and safety
Book your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations early, and ask your GP or pharmacist to review any medications before winter. Keep hallways and stairs well-lit, remove trip hazards, and wear supportive footwear with a good grip to help prevent falls.
5. Stay connected and positive
Social connection is key to well-being. Make time for chats with family, neighbours, or community groups, and consider joining a local winter club. Simple daily routines, reading by the window, journaling, or calling a friend, may help lift your mood and give your days purpose.
Helpful resources for winter wellbeing
If you’d like a little extra support this winter, there are many trusted local and national organisations offering free advice, warm spaces, and wellbeing programmes.
Whether you’re looking for tips on staying active, help with heating costs, or someone to talk to, these services can make the colder months easier and more enjoyable.
- Age UK Surrey
Find community events, social groups, and local advice to help people stay connected and comfortable. - Active Surrey
Access gentle exercise programmes and fall-prevention activities to help maintain mobility, strength, and confidence. - Warm Homes Programmes
Practical energy-saving advice and information about grants to help keep your home warm and bills manageable. - NHS
Government-backed guidance on staying healthy, preventing illness, and protecting yourself during cold weather. - The Silver Line Helpline
A free, confidential 24-hour phone line offering conversation, advice, and friendship for older adults feeling lonely.
Winter doesn’t have to be a season to simply ‘get through.’ It can be a time to slow down, reconnect, and focus on the small moments that bring warmth to each day.
Whether it’s sharing a meal with family, enjoying a walk on a crisp morning, or taking time to rest and reflect, these simple routines may help you feel grounded and supported through the colder months.
At Reedsfield Care, we believe that wellbeing is built through connection, with others, with your community, and with yourself. Our care workers are here to offer warmth, companionship, and practical support, helping you stay safe, confident, and comfortable at home this winter.