Tips for spending the winter in your own four walls

Autumn has arrived and with it an understanding that this year we will spend even more time at home than usual over the winter months. If this idea upsets or even depresses you, think about what you can do to make the dark season a little brighter and more enjoyable.

What is it that we miss most in these uncomfortable months? In winter we often long for sun, light and warmth and the opportunity to be outside and enjoy nature with all our senses. Because we know that it helps us to relax and leave the stress of everyday life behind. So why not try to integrate these aspects into our work and leisure activities at home?

Natural light

Light is essential for our body to stay energetic during the often-grey days of winter. This is because our body produces more of the sleep hormone melatonin when it’s dark. So, in order to maintain the structure of our day, light, especially daylight, is indispensable.

There is also a known correlation between light intensity and the amount of the “feel-good” hormone serotonin. Good lighting in our home is a natural way to help us maintain high energy levels and a sense of well-being. There are smart solutions on the market that can wake us up early in the morning with a stimulating combination of sound and light to ensure a pleasant start to the day and keep us going throughout the day. This does not mean that the room should be as “bright” as possible, but that a special atmosphere is created by using lighting that is suited to the function of the room.

Fresh air

Light and air are essential for keeping energy levels high. Open the windows wide at regular intervals, cross-ventilating if possible, to let in plenty of fresh air and oxygen. A small tip from us: A permanent tilting of the windows in combination with heating does not have the same effect and in humid months can cause mould to grow in the surrounding brickwork due to condensation from the heated room air.