Winter is here and once again we are all bunkering down trying to stay warm and cheerful despite the cold grey months we know are ahead. It’s not all gloomy though with Australia experiencing relatively mild winters and even some sunny blue sky days. Getting into the rhythm of the season is a great approach to living through the winter months and there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the best out of what can be a very hard time for many. 

Stay warm and safe

Winter cold can be brutal both inside and out. Start the day with a hot shower if you can dress warmly in breathable layers of clothing that can be added to or taken off as needed throughout the day. A good quality beanie, coat and socks are a great investment or gift, as is a cosy rug, or a hot water bottle. 

Ensure you have good, safe, and efficient heating at home that’s inexpensive to run and the best solution for the space you’re in. Heaters with temperature settings and auto functions are a great solution, and a hot water bottle on your lap, your feet, or in your bed is a toasty and inexpensive solution to take away the chill. For the sake of the climate and your budget, try to warm yourself naturally by adding more clothes before turning on the heating.     

Eating plans

Winter is the season for slow cookers, stews, soups, and curries, so embrace new recipes and keep an eye on what’s in season to ensure variety. A good intake of fresh fruit and vegetables is important to keep your immune system healthy and strong. Try warm salads made from steamed greens and protein like chicken, tofu or halloumi; or soups made from beans and legumes to break up the routine of heavier stews and casseroles. Warm up breakfasts with stewed fruit and yoghurt, and add some seasonal fruits with high vitamin C content to your diet, like oranges, rockmelon, and kiwi fruit.   

Get out and about

Keep an eye on the weather, and plan your day around the sun’s appearance. Get out in the garden for some physical activity and fresh air, or arrange to meet a friend for a walk or a coffee in the warmest and brightest part of the day to boost your mood. There are often veterans’ meet-ups in local areas where you can show up and meet others for support and kinship. For example, the Veterans Wellbeing Hub at the Carry On Cafe in Morwell (Victoria) has a Coffee and Chat session every Wednesday from 10 to 11 am that all veterans are welcome to attend. While there, veterans are also welcome to collect some essential food supplies donated by the Foodbank to help make life a little easier.  

Winter escapes

For some the winter months are simply too long and too bleak, so a trip away can be a great diversion that gets you closer to the finish line. You can double down and head to an alpine region for a snowy escape with fireplaces, mulled wine and hearty pub meals at every turn. Or keep your eye on flight deals and head north to the sunnier parts of the country (unless a European summer is in your budget of course). Even a road trip to a regional destination, a visit to friends or family, or simply a day soaking in some hot springs can break up the long winter weeks. 

If you are a veteran, know a veteran or are the family member of a veteran who might need some advice or support, you can contact us at Veteran Housing Australia for more information