Watching a movie, spending time with family, and eating more comfort food are the top comforts Brits will turn to to help them get through the cold, gloomy winter, a study has found. More than four in five Brits (86 per cent) try to look after their mental health more as the days get darker and colder – with 57 per cent actively looking for little pick-me-ups to boost their mood.
Other comforting measures they will take include relaxing in a bubble bath (15 per cent), sitting by a log fire (11 per cent), and slipping into cosy fluffy socks and slippers (19 per cent). And treats such as freshly baked cakes (17 per cent) and a warming hot chocolate (20 per cent) will also provide solace during chillier times, according to the 2,000 adults polled.
Psychologist Dr Meg Arroll, who is working with Healthspan Vitamin D, which commissioned the research, said: “Often small pleasures remind us of pleasant memories, and so act as a mental comfort blanket. Cosy socks and jumpers can be particularly soothing and joyous, because as young infants we relied on physical touch to bond with our primary caregivers.
