The shortest day of the year falls on 21 June in the southern hemisphere. And many of us may find ourselves a little flat and unmotivated as we settle into winter, says Mental Health Foundation’s Chief Executive Judi Clements. About 10% of New Zealanders have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) but many others experience a milder form of low mood, referred to as the “winter blues” at this time of year. The Foundation advises that there is a lot you can do to help yourself. While most of us feel like hibernating over the colder months, Judi Clements stresses it is important to continuing with things that support wellbeing: “We can drop out of our networks and become more prone to depression in winter, so it’s important for your mental health to keep connected to your friends and family and keep doing the things you enjoy.” The Mental Health Foundation encourages people to look at the five winning ways to wellbeing – connect, give, take notice, learn and be active – and how to adapt them from a summer to a winter environment. Mix it up, try something different every day (a new walking route, cook a special meal) or set small tasks or goals to get you through to spring. Little things can make a big difference in overcoming the winter blues.