Warmth Amidst Winter: A Remedy for Seasonal Isolation
During the winter season, a lot of people may experience a tough time. It’s quite common to feel lonely when the weather turns cold. As the days become shorter and the nights longer, we tend to avoid social gatherings. This avoidance can result in feeling detached from society.
Studies have demonstrated a correlation between our personal temperature and our emotional status. The human body instinctively strives for self-protection when we’re chilly. The outcome – we become withdrawn and are less likely to interact with others. These discoveries emphasise the significance of maintaining warmth during the winter season. When we stay comfortably warm, we improve how we feel mentally.
At The Befriending Scheme, we’re focused on bringing people together and valuing everyone as an equal. This article will equip you with vital knowledge on keeping warm and staying in touch this winter.
Why does wintertime make us feel more alone?
Our mental state is undeniably affected during the coldest season of the year. The temperature outside makes staying indoors an appealing option. However, this can quickly lead to feeling isolated from our circle of friends. The erratic weather can wreak havoc on our moods. The unpredictability of the forecast makes it harder to plan to get out and about. This can lead to us feeling lonely and lethargic.
It's been approximated that roughly 2 million individuals in the UK go through ‘the winter blues’. The reduced amount of daylight we get, combined with transitioning into the new season can imbalance our circadian rhythm thus affecting our sleep and mental health.
When we’re alone, do we feel colder?
But, what about the other way around? When we’re lonely, do we feel the cold more? The ramifications extend further than the physical discomfort of feeling cold. Evidence from research does in fact suggest that being socially isolated can increase our sensitivity to the cold. The psychologists established that the core temperature in individuals contemplating social detachment observed a decrease by as much as 3 degrees Celsius.
I know what you’re thinking! Why does this happen? The answer lies in our evolutionary past, where being part of a tribe greatly increased our chances of survival. That’s why our brains are wired to work this way and see being pushed out, as a threat.
This is why it’s so important to stay as social as we possibly can during the winter.
Does our body temperature influence how we feel mentally?
Have you ever taken note of how much better you feel when you’re warm? The soothing sensation of being cosy and comfortable releases the hormone Oxytocin, providing us with a much-improved mental state.
Our elevated body temperatures can also help us to manage stress in a more positive way. That’s why warm baths are recommended. When we’re comfortable and cosy, we’re more resilient when things get tough.
How can we socialise more in winter?
Here are some ideas for maintaining your social life during winter.
Consider signing up for a befriending service like ours – Do you fancy volunteering? Or are you looking to connect one-to-one with someone new? We provide befriending opportunities for vulnerable people aged 16+ across Suffolk. If you’re not local to the area, there’s plenty of other similar non-profit services available all over the UK.
Pursue personal hobbies – Use winter to your advantage and do something you love. You can register for groups and classes, which also create chances to socialise with people who enjoy the same things as you.
What about a fitness class? – We already know that exercise is good for the mind and body. But, by joining a class, you can meet new people with similar fitness goals.
Contribute to your community – Have a look online and find opportunities to put your skills to good use in your area. Help a local charity shop or homeless shelter. Volunteering is both rewarding and a great way to socially interact.
Visit one of our hub groups – We have drop-in centres that provide our members with opportunities to learn new skills, have fun and make friends. There’s a range of activities to participate in such as drama and even cooking. Find out more here.
Get out and about – We have regular out-and-about groups that include trips to the cinema and local snooker club. It’s a fantastic way to stay connected with others, especially when it’s freezing.
Preserving warmth at home
Keeping your home warm doesn’t need to be a financial burden. Fortunately, there are various alternatives to keeping your heating on all winter.
We’ve provided some inexpensive alternatives to heating:
Use cosy warm lighting – Soft, warm lighting can make us think we’re warmer than we are. A flickering candle or warm glow will create a sense of cosiness.
A balanced diet – A nutrient-rich diet is great for keeping our health in check. It’s also a great way to maintain our body temperature.
Engage in light physical activity – Moving your body helps to regulate blood flow, thus making you warmer. Simple activities like walking or stretching can heat your body up.
Social connections – Being around others can keep us feeling warm, as we mentioned earlier. Give your family or a friend a call while you’re at home to feel connected.
Slippers and socks – Warm yourself from the feet upwards.
Double up on layers – Wearing more than one layer will increase your temperature and help it to stay there.
Never underestimate the interplay between being warm and how it can ease feelings of loneliness. Research has conclusively demonstrated the positive impact it can have on our mental wellbeing.
At The Befriending Scheme, we endeavour to provide opportunities for people to connect, regardless of their vulnerability. We do not want anyone to feel alone this winter, so why not join us and enjoy our social gatherings or one-to-one interactions?
If you’ve read this entire page, chances are you’re interested. To find out more enquire here. Alternatively, give us a call on 01787 371333. We can’t wait to hear from you!
~ Article written by Freelance writer, Hannah Walters ~