Winter wellbeing: why staying connected matters

Social connection is a fundamental human need that supports our physical and mental health. But during winter, when leaving the house means battling the elements, it’s understandable that we are less motivated to catch up with friends or be part of community events.

It's worth remembering that social connection is one of the things that can improve our mood. Rather than waiting until you feel motivated to get out and about, make plans first and let the motivation catch up later.

Barbecues with mates, playdates at the park or family outings to the beach might be off the table but there are loads of things you can do to capture a sense of belonging through shared experiences.

Here are a few ideas that might inspire you.

·      Volunteer for a good cause. Charities are always looking for people to collect donations at shopping malls or supermarkets, and winter is the time that local restoration groups need loads of helpers to plant trees. Or you could do a weekly shift at a charity op shop. It’s a great way to meet people and do something kind for the community.

·      Join or start a book club. Reading is a relaxing activity that’s perfect when the weather is bad and you can get together once a month to discuss your favourite novels or authors over a coffee or a glass of wine. Or if books aren’t your thing, try a board games night.

·      Join a gym class instead of exercising alone. You will get a double dose of feel-good endorphins from getting your heart rate up and being part of a group activity.

·      Host a soup night with friends – assign a couple of people to make soup, someone else to bring delicious crusty rolls and whip up a warming winter dessert. Try our Quick Blackberry Apple Crumble or this low-sugar Baked Cheesecake.

·      Sign up for a community class. It’s a fun way to spend a winter evening, learn something useful and find some new friends with a shared interest. Or join a craft group.

·      Take up an indoor sport. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong and is growing in popularity. It’s played on a small court so is there is less running than in many other sports and it’s easy to learn. Pickleball Auckland has a list of venues and sessions all over the city and there are plenty to suit beginners.

·      Each week, turn at least one text into a phone call. It’s a great way to check in with a friend, maybe have a few laughs and fill your social cup without leaving the house.

·      Visit your local library – many offer a calendar of events including talks by interesting speakers, exhibitions, workshops, or even singing groups and chess clubs.

·      If you work from home a lot, opt to spend a couple of days in a shared space. That might mean your company’s office or a café or local community centre.

·      Round up a group to take part in a pub quiz night, head to a comedy show, here's one a friend recently told me about Fresh Of the Page, it looks fab, you can find out more here Proudly Asian Theatre or listen to live music. Bonus points if you find a venue with an open fire.

·      Speak to strangers. Social connection doesn’t have to mean friendship. Try saying hi to someone you pass walking their dog, chat to the barista at your local café or learn the name of a shop assistant you see regularly.

Winter may encourage us to retreat indoors, but making time for community and connection can help us stay happier, healthier and more resilient until the warmer months return.