This month, Stuart Hillard discusses how to banish the winter blues through the power of crafting

I love reading fun facts, especially when they turn out to be untrue! For example, everyone knows that snowflakes are unique, no two are ever alike, and the reason it’s cold in winter is because the Earth is furthest away from the sun. Actually, those facts are both false! In winter the Earth is nearer to the sun than at any other time of year, and snowflakes sometimes have a twin. The one fact about winter I don’t think any of us would dispute is that our mood can be negatively affected and energy levels drop as the days grow shorter and for some, winter is the start of a season of depression known as SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder.

GOODBYE WINTER BLUES
Light therapy, counselling and medication can help those severely affected, but for the majority of us, we can beat the winter blues with a few lifestyle changes. Diet, regular exercise, maintaining a routine and keeping warm are all great ways to stay healthy but, of course, my mind always turns to craft as a means to improving my own health and wellbeing! According to Sue Pavlovich of the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association, taking up a new hobby and keeping your mind active with a fresh interest is a great way to ward off the winter blues; that could be anything from knitting or crochet to cardmaking, baking, or keeping a journal. Having something creative to focus on and look forward to is a fantastic way to keep your momentum going when every day feels the same. Turn Friday evening into a craft night, invite family or friends to join you and try out new activities; be inspired by the makes in Crafts Beautiful and pool resources with others. Order pizza, drink real hot chocolate – the dark variety is a proven mood lifter – and let the good times roll!

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
NHS’ advice for combating SAD and winter triggered mild depression includes seeing family and friends or joining a support group, but for some, it’s a physically isolating time and if you’re already feeling lonely, it can be hard to access these resources. So why not combine all of the benefits and get along to a craft club? Having been a member of quilting groups for over 20 years and a regular attendee of my local knit and natter group, I have felt their enormous benefits. You don’t have to be an outgoing extrovert, the shared love of a particular craft is what matters and most group meetings will have a focus: a speaker, demonstration or mini-workshop, so it’s easy to get involved from the offset. Crafting with others who share your interests is an easy way to get chatting and in my experience, they provide the very best medicine – laughter! Having fun and sharing a laugh is one of the best kinds of emotional first aid and even if it’s a struggle to get to the group in the first place, it’s an effort worth making.

LOOKING AHEAD
Something to look forward to, as we’ve already seen, is a great way to get through those grey weeks. You could take your group crafting to a whole new level and volunteer for a youth project, school craft club or care home initiative. One of the greatest joys for me is sharing my love for craft and encouraging others to enjoy the rewards of making something unique. The only special skills you really need are patience, a sense of humour and great life skills, then you’re all set! However you decide to combat the winter blues, the key is starting early. Tackle it before the bad weather and lower moods kick in, that way, it’s already part of your routine. Who knows, we might even start to look forward to the winter and all those lovely hours of crafting ahead!