It is well known that spending time outside improves our mood, wellbeing and motivation. Just because the nights close in and the temperature drops, there is no need head indoors and hibernate for the winter.
Recent studies have shown that there is a very strong correlation between having a positive winter mindset and higher levels of life satisfaction and greater psychological wellbeing. The happiest countries in the world, according to the World Happiness Report, include Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Norway and all have very long dark winters.
So the key to enjoying the colder, wetter and darker months is to get outside and where better to do this than the beach. Clearly, we are biased towards the Witterings so we are going to share our top tips on how you can enjoy the area and fill your lungs with our fresh sea air.
So long as you wrap up and be prepared for high winds, a coastal walk is perfect for blowing away the cobwebs. There are over six miles of coastline to explore in the Witterings from the sand dunes at East Head through West Wittering beach and down to the shingle beaches of East Wittering and Bracklesham Bay. If you have a dog then even better.
Cold water swimming may sound very daunting, but a growing amount of evidence suggests that it helps to improve mental wellbeing. Immersing the body in cold water boosts dopamine levels and increases the release of endorphins. Trust us, you will feel truly alive when you get out. East Wittering and Bracklesham Bay are popular places to swim in the shallow waters and there are a few swimming groups you could join in with if you want some moral support.
Getting creative outdoors is a wonderfully mindful activity. Head to the dunes with a palette and paints or just simply comb the beach for pretty shells, interesting pieces of driftwood or glistening sea glass. You may find a lovely keepsake or even turn your finds into beach-inspired art or jewellery.
Nothing beats an early morning beach run to kick start your day and as well as keeping you fit, exercise increases all those good chemicals in the body that help us stave of winter colds and seasonal affective disorder. If you prefer to cycle then get out on your bike and head to the 12-mile Salterns Way or for some water-based activity, try your hand at windsurfing or kitesurfing for a full body work out.
If all of this has got you thinking, why not book a winter break this year? Beach holidays are not just for summer. A change of scene and a break from work is a great way to recharge our batteries, even in winter. Storm watching, getting toasty by the fire with a really good book, playing a family board game or hunkering down for Sunday roast in cosy pubs make a winter break one to be remembered.
To find some of the best properties available to rent in the Witterings area, check out our handpicked collection of high quality holiday homes. Beach-front, hot tub, large occupancy, pet friendly, couples’ retreats, whatever you are looking for we have something for every occasion. Imagine kickstarting your winter mindset with a New Year’s Day swim in the sea!
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Wellies & Windbreaks recently contributed an article to Life Magazines about having a “Positive Winter Mindset”. You can read the full article from the October 2022 edition here: Life Magazines | October 2022