Winter wellbeing

The days are darker and the nights are longer, but that’s no reason to mope. Let the light in with these fun, mindful activities that you can enjoy with friends and beat those winter blues.

The change in season affects us all in different ways. Some of us sail through the autumn months in a cheerful, ochre-hued daze and then struggle with those late winter weeks. Others find the rainy, autumnal vibe too much to bear but love the crispness of December.

Either way, it’s important that you keep on top of your wellbeing, making sure you spend time grounding yourself before 2019 gets into full swing. Here are some top ideas for how you can keep fresh during the stodgiest months.

Spa days out

Give yourself a break by booking a well-deserved trip to one of these beautiful spas and let your body and mind unwind, if only for a few hours.

The perfect winter warmer awaits you at The Spa in Dolphin Square. Hidden in a quiet corner of London’s Pimlico, this relaxing retreat is a haven for those in need of an afternoon’s indulgence.

Everything from the tea to the treatments are Moroccan-inspired, with traditional Hammam, Rhassoul and salt-infused steam room experiences on offer.

A luxury Hammam treatment, which will cleanse your body from head to toe, costs £82.

Thermae Bath Spa is a remarkable, award-winning combination of old and new, with the historic spa buildings blending with the contemporary design of the New Royal Bath. Here, you can bathe in Britain’s only naturally warm, mineral-rich waters – just like the Celts and Romans did over 2,000 years ago.

Situated right in the heart of Bath, at Thermae Bath Spa you can also enjoy an open-air rooftop pool and refresh yourself in the Wellness Suite, choosing from over 40 spa treatments.

Mindfulness retreats

Hosted in a beautiful farm cottage in Newquay, Horizon Inspired have a retreat getaway on 25-27 January that will teach you simple mindfulness and meditation exercises.

The weekend includes daily beginners mindfulness and meditation, yoga, delicious and nutritious food, a country mindfulness walk and a therapeutic massage.

Mindspace offers mindfulness and meditation courses across the UK, including silent retreats, with a sessions available on 10 February and 5 May in the breath-taking Malvern Hills area.

You’ll experience the joy of complete silence while taking part in guided meditations and walks around one of the world’s most idyllic locations. Bookings can be made online.