Winter comforts: How small routines can bring big joy

The cold weather naturally makes us want to stay indoors rather than even attempt to go outside. But staying indoors without a plan can leave you feeling exhausted and unproductive, which can lead to low moods. I've experienced this myself. So whenever this happens, I always go for a walk, whether it's during my lunch break or a late evening walk with a hot drink in my hand.

This helps you stay active and shift your mindset to enjoy the outdoors even when it's cold. When you walk outside, to stay grounded, notice the fresh air on your face, the sounds around you, the smell of nature, the beautiful natural light and the trees swaying from side to side. Embracing the outdoors lets your mind remain calm and stay present in the moment instead of just staying indoors.

Just make sure to wrap up warm as it's getting chilly.

This is a personal favourite of mine, and I want to share this routine I now commit to every day. Whether you're a full-time employee or a student, breaking up your day is important, especially if you're working from your computer or constantly on your screen. Step away from your gadgets, grab your favourite tea, whether it's a green tea, ginger tea, a hot chocolate or my personal favourite, a chai, and sit in the present moment.

Listen to the sounds of the kettle being boiled, the smells of the tea and picking out your favourite biscuit. This not only breaks up your busy day but also lets you add a relaxing routine to your daily life, helping you find the joy in making a midday tea. Something so small can make such a difference to your day, and it's something to look forward to, too.

Tis the season to be cosy. There's nothing wrong with staying indoors, but to truly find joy, instead of staying on your phone, enjoy the cosy night. Why not light your favourite candle, put on a winter cosy film with delicious snacks and your favourite hot drink? These bundles of happiness increase your dopamine levels and just make you feel good.

Make a date with yourself or your loved ones to truly get cosy in the living room or your bedroom and enjoy the cosy nights whilst listening to the sounds of the wind and rain outside.

As human beings, we easily get so tied up with university work, business projects and even our jobs, we forget to do things for ourselves. Come up with a project you can take on outside your work; it will help you focus on something creative and let you take your mind off everything else.

For me, winter is a time when I can focus on my poetry, so as soon as my work laptop is closed, I start writing my poetry and my novel because I enjoy it. Working on projects can help give you something in return, especially when the nights surround us.

Your project might be:

• reading a new book
• starting a course online
• learning a new recipe
• organising your workspace
• writing in your journal
• learning a new skill such as knitting, coding or baking

The key is to do something which feels important and meaningful to you; it doesn't have to be ambitious. But let it be something you can create and engage with, something that makes you feel happier.

The winter blues have a funny way of keeping us isolated in quietness. Staying connected is a good way to create a fun routine, and it can benefit our mental health during the colder months.

Connection doesn't always have to be big social gatherings; it can be a call with a friend or a walk with your loved ones. Small moments of connection make us feel less alone and make the world seem less quiet.

Here are some ideas I have in mind:

• Have a call with one of your best friends or family members.
• Enjoy a coffee date to catch up.
• Send a message to someone you haven't spoken to in a while.
• Join a local group like a book club, fitness class or pottery painting class.

Connection brings closeness, and planning something that makes you feel happier will bring the calm and light you need this winter.

Moving your body in the winter doesn't have to be intense or feel like another task. It can be as simple as stretching, doing gentle yoga, doing outdoor workouts or putting on your favourite song and dancing around the room.

When we move, even in small bursts, we release tension stored from long days indoors and screen time. Find a movement routine that feels kind to your body and matches your energy levels. Let it be something that helps you reconnect with yourself and boosts your mood during these darker days.

One of the best ways to bring clarity and calm to your days is to add a bit of planning to your routine. This doesn’t have to mean strict to-do lists or rigid schedules. It can simply be taking five minutes in the morning to set an intention for your day, or writing down three things you’d like to do after work.

Try planning your meals, your self-care evenings, your winter walks, or even your downtime. When you organise your thoughts and give your week a bit of direction, you create space for joy instead of letting the days blend into each other.