Some of the ways included nearly a quarter (23%) sitting outside in the cold because it’s sunny, with 13% even sunbathing in winter clothes. Some take a simpler approach, with 40% taking Vitamin D supplements and 28% booking a flight to a sunnier location.
From sunrise alarm clocks to light therapy and even the latest TikTok wellness trends, Brits are trying it all to lift their mood during the dark winter months. Over three quarters (78%) believe that winter has a negative impact on their wellbeing, with 56% saying that they are craving sunshine to lift their mood and 77% get a mood boost from seeing sunny destinations on TV. Over two thirds (69%) of Brits say they’ve suffered from the winter blues and 59% are struggling more with the winter blues compared to previous years.
Nearly all Brits (95%) agree that it's important to have things to look forward to in January, from the little things that get the nation through the colder months, like indulging in some chocolate for a mood boost or going for a winter walk, to 41% of people saying that they book a holiday to escape the cold.
Eating some chocolate (47%), Turning the heating up (41%), Booking a holiday (41%), Wintery walks, wrapped up warm (33%), Wearing cosy socks (29%), Booking an exciting City break (28%), Ordering your favourite takeaway (24%), Binge watching a comedy (23%), Re-watching your favourite film (21%), Eating a huge bag of sweets (21%)
So, to shine a light - quite literally - on the nation’s winter challenges, MSC Cruises has developed the ‘Sunbrella’. The cutting-edge umbrella incorporates SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) lamp technology, letting users shield themselves from the rain while enjoying a warm glow and serotonin lift on even the gloomiest winter days.