Of course, it also means Christmas is near, but what happens after Christmas when you head back to the office when you’re getting up before sunrise and heading home after sunset? The winter blues can creep up on us all, in fact it is recognised by the medical profession that people can suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

SAD is a type of depression linked to the absence of light. Someone with SAD might feel perfectly fine in spring and summer, and then experience a severe downturn in mood when winter arrives.

To help you through the winter blues, follow our top tips to stay happy and positive;

Exercise – I for one, find it very difficult to get in any form of exercise when the weather is bleak and miserable. But, exercise = endorphins which makes you happy so if the thought of the gym leaves you in a cold sweat then why not try out a fitness class, like zumba or yoga. Try to make a real effort to exercise more and your body and mind will thank you for it.

Setting goals and objectives – Being organised is a must when it comes to Winter. It can be very easy to just crawl back into bed and have a duvet day but you will feel much better if you make an effort to get out and do things. Making lists and setting yourself deadlines to achieve your goals will make you feel much more content and satisfied. Why not take a day to tidy up your home and do a bit of decluttering? It’s a proven fact that creating a much more organised space will help improve your mental wellbeing. Investing in good storage solutions means that you can have a clear space to think and work in.

Get enough sleep – during the winter, because you aren’t getting enough sunlight, your body can feel drained often leaving you severly fatigued and lethargic. Make sure that you get enough sleep at night so that you can rise early in the morning feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

Be kind to yourself and others – think about the things that make you happy and remember to take time to take care of yourself. If your mind is in a good place and you are nice to yourself then you will be more willing to be nice to others.

Take a break – It’s always important to take a break and go outside for a breath of fresh air. Whether at home or in the office try and go for a 10 minute walk at break or lunchtime. A bit of natural sunlight will help perk up your mood and energy levels.