As the weather worsens and the winter is drawn out like an eternal chill through what felt like a never-ending January, I’ve found I have to be really inventive with what I do to feel good.
The NHS this year has experienced one of the worst winters as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has decimated UK hospitals, rendering bed numbers and staff stretched to breaking point. The term “winter pressures” is usually used to describe the increased pressure on healthcare services as a consequence of higher levels of illness during winter, such as the familiar flu. However, never has the term reflected such devastation as it has this year.
If we turn our attention to the morale of the front line, I know anecdotally that it’s pretty fragile. The increased pressure on the NHS is also compounded by the fact that it’s winter, when we see very little sunlight for long periods of time as a result of shift work and are ourselves more prone to illness. The culmination of these myriad factors is higher levels of burnout, poor health and general low mood amongst staff members. It’s something that’s affected me personally and those around me.
With so much doom and gloom around, it feels near impossible to feel upbeat about anything. But, as I mentioned earlier, I’ve had to become really inventive with what I do to feel better. One thing I’ve decided to take up is something I’ve coined “winter precious”.
I’ll clarify.
It’s a diabolical play on words of “winter pressures” in case you hadn’t guessed already. I admit, it’s appallingly self indulgent and barely makes any grammatical sense. But there is a bit more meaning to it besides the astronomical failure of a Twitter hashtag.
It comprises a selection of positive elements that I find inspirational during the winter months. Things that I look forward to, things that I’m grateful for, things I am visually moved by.
Here’s an example of 5 of these elements from which I draw positivity:
1. The days will only get longer (until June, I know, just let it be)
2. Warm fairy lighting + tartan throws = serious cosiness
3. It is socially acceptable to derive the majority of nutrition from potatoes #seasonalfood
4. Wrapping up warm for cold wintry walks
5. Winter mist + greenery = seriously cool photography
My favourite has got to be the warm cosiness. And the fact the days are slowly going to get longer. Even with the onset of the rainy season (it’s more or less rainy season for most of the year in Manchester bar the odd inane burst of tropical sunshine in the middle of March), you can return home to doff your wet gear and dry off, get into something warm and clean, and cosy up with a hot drink.
Motivation is hard to come by during the winter months, not least after a row of busy on calls without much sunlight or social interaction. With even less social interaction now, it’s time to turn to the small, simple things. Small things that one holds precious during winter.
So it’s worth a thought. Maybe jot your own list of positive things down in a journal/phone/back of an envelope/patient notes (kidding, please don’t). But just take a moment to study the granular details of quotidian life and extricate some positivity from the never ending typhoon. And remember, you’ve got this.
Winter precious > winter pressures.
Vasudev Zaver 