Post-holiday winter is often seen as the worst time of year, and honestly, we get it. The festive holiday season and those much-needed summer holidays are now just fond memories. Unless you're all about winter sports or have a secret stash of sunshine, chances are this season isn't really your thing.
As we face the long stretch of winter, with its short days and chilly nights, you might find yourself in a bit of a fog. Perhaps your energy feels sapped, or there’s an unshakable feeling of gloom. You're not alone. What some casually call the "winter blues" is a real phenomenon known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Around 1 in 15 people in the UK deal with SAD every year, and we bet plenty more just don't feel quite like themselves.
Rather than just stewing in our shared winter blues though, we want to encourage you to find new paths to joy, fun, and healthy connection.
What is SAD?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that usually kicks in during the winter months when there's less natural sunlight. While many of us feel a bit down when the seasons change, SAD is more intense and can really affect your daily life. You'll notice symptoms similar to major depression, like feeling sad all the time, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, feeling tired, having trouble concentrating, and changes in your sleep or appetite.
The start of SAD is mostly linked to biological factors, like changes in our body’s internal clock and neurotransmitter levels due to light exposure. Less sunlight can mess with serotonin production in the brain, which is key for mood regulation.
Luckily, it’s not all doom and gloom because there are plenty of easy and healthy ways to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder. And the best one is staying connected.
How does socialising help SAD?
Socialising is super important for your mental well-being in general. However, staying connected is even more important when the seasons change because we tend to feel isolated and sad. Hanging out with friends, family, or coworkers not only helps fight loneliness, but it also gives you a sense of belonging and some much-needed emotional support.
Research shows that socialising can boost your mood and help ease depression. When we hang out with others, our brains release oxytocin and endorphins—natural mood boosters that fight off negative feelings. Whether it's sharing a meal, joining group activities, or just having a drink with a friend, these moments can bring positive vibes and lift your spirits.
Our beerhouses are designed to be welcoming and inclusive, perfect for bringing people together to share stories and build connections. These special moments can really boost your mental health so those winter blues don't stand a chance.
It's worth noting that socialising doesn't need to be fancy or planned. Just reaching out to a friend for a quick chat or joining a club can really make a difference.
Get social, even when you're not in the mood
Sure, when you’re feeling down, it can be tough to find the motivation to do things you usually enjoy. But keeping a routine with hobbies or social activities can really help your mental health. Even if you're not feeling it, just starting something can give you that positive push to keep going.
Getting involved in social activities, even when you're feeling down, can really help turn your perspective around. Connecting with people is super important for your emotional health, and sometimes pushing yourself to reach out can lead to shared experiences that boost your mood.
Plus, trying out new activities can really get your mind going and help break the cycle of negative thoughts. Whether it’s whipping up a new recipe, getting into arts and crafts, or checking out an event at one our local SEVEN BRO7HERS beerhouses, mixing things up can spark curiosity and interest. These experiences can be fun and educational, helping you rediscover passions you might've put on the back burner.
Treat yourself
Why not jot down all the things you're excited about this winter? When you're feeling down about the season, take a peek at your list. Even better, plan some fun activities of your choice and pop it into your calendar. Studies show that just looking forward to something you enjoy can boost your happiness, so why not give it a try? Think weekend getaways, special dinners, parties with friends, or hosting an intimate paint-and-sip in our micro-distillery at 11 Central.
Get some comfort food with comfort people
We all love some winter comfort food. And what's better than enjoying it with the people who make us happiest? When you're ready to grab a bite and catch up with those friends who've been hibernating, our kitchen at 11 Central is here for you. What's more, we've loaded it with all our best SEVEN BRO7HERS beers, so you can create your own taste test and have some fun!
We're a family-owned business, and we get how important it is to connect with family and friends these days. That's why we’ve designed our venues to feel warm and homely. Each bar has a fantastic vibe with friendly faces where you can make new connections and strengthen your friendships. And even if you’re not quite ready to mix and mingle with new faces, all of our beerhouses, taproom and 11 Central are available for you to book a private event with your loved ones or work colleagues.
Don't forget to laugh
There’s a reason why laughter is the best medicine. It’s amazing for cutting down stress and boosting your mood. Try playing board games, or having a laugh at a comedy session, both of which are available in all of our beerhouses, with regular comedy nights and board game evenings with Dungeons and Flagons.
It works best when you have a mental list of people who can cheer you up when you're feeling down: family, friends, mentors, coworkers, neighbours. Sometimes, just a quick call, a chat at the bar, and a genuine hearty laugh can really lift your spirits.
In the end, it's totally normal to have days when your motivation is low. But finding the courage to get involved in fun activities with others can really help with mental health and wellbeing. By taking small, manageable steps to participate, we can create an environment where joy and connection thrive, even during the colder months.