WHEN THE DAYS IN WÜRZBURG GET SHORTER AND DARKER: Personal tips for getting through winter well

Idon't know how you're getting on during the grey season – but the weather certainly gets to me. I would describe myself as slightly weather-sensitive. Even though I don't have any physical complaints, my mood is a bit dampened by bad weather. That's why I also like to talk about the weather, precisely because it's important to me what the weather is like and it also "affects me somehow". So I definitely say to my friends now and then "The weather is lovely today" or "The sun is finally shining again".

In November and December, the colourful, golden autumn is long forgotten. Now you freeze as soon as any body part isn't wrapped up in two layers of clothing. A day in November in Würzburg has on average two hours of sunshine, whereas the sun shines for an average of eight hours in July. The days are now quite short and due to the early darkness and cold, you suddenly spend much more time in your flat.

In the last two months of the year, I need extra energy to get through the day well. In this article, I'd like to introduce you to a few of my tips that can make the cold and dreary season a bit nicer and easier.

• Get out into the fresh air: It helps me to go outside, even if the weather initially puts me off. A walk in the rain can be very nice if you have the opportunity afterwards to warm up and perhaps have a cup of tea.

• Spend time on Christmas activities: The pre-Christmas season is almost the most beautiful time, isn't it? It helps me to build up the anticipation for Christmas, for example through Christmas decorations or baking biscuits together with friends. That way you're constantly reminded that in just a few weeks there will be a few quiet days ahead.

• Find projects to do indoors: In the winter months, some outdoor activities, such as playing table tennis in the park, are unfortunately not possible at all. But there are numerous other things you can do indoors. How about baking, knitting, DIY projects, reading, painting, doing DIY or sewing? That's just a small selection of creative hobbies you could try. You can find further ideas in the article "Würzburg To-Do".

• Study in the library: Even if you have a day off, it helps to leave your flat and spend a few productive hours in the library. If I do that first thing in the morning, I feel good straight away because I could already get a few things done. PS: This way you can also save on heating costs, since you'll be heating your flat less during that time.

• Spend time with friends and family: It would be a shame if you saw each other less now than in summer. The last months of the year are ideal for cosy evenings at the bar. Or how about a shared cooking evening followed by board games? 

• Make Christmas preparations in good time: December can be very stressful if Christmas presents need to be bought and Christmas cards sent shortly before the holidays. It's best to start in November so you can get one thing done after another.

• Pay attention to sufficient vitamins, nutrients, etc.: The tip could come from your own parents, but the fact is that in winter we should pay particular attention to strengthening our immune system if we don't want to be constantly ill. Plenty of fruit provides your body with important vitamins and regular fresh air also contributes to a good immune system. An estimated 30–60 per cent of people have a vitamin D deficiency, a vitamin that the body absorbs mainly through sunlight. If you feel weak, that could also be a cause. For further tips on healthy eating, read now "FIT THROUGH YOUR STUDIES: Healthy Eating Made Easy".

• Watch your favourite films and series: There are numerous great film series you could watch again. In addition to Christmas films, you could watch favourite films from childhood, such as Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings. I try to avoid spending a lot of time on Instagram and other social media platforms, as the time usually feels wasted to me.

Unfortunately, January doesn't promise much more in terms of weather, but perhaps one or another of my tips will help you then. Besides, we shouldn't forget that the next season after winter is spring again.