With shorter days and colder weather, it’s common for Brits to experience low energy, mood dips, and even Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). However, experts suggest that a winter sun holiday could be the perfect antidote.
A recent survey by Emerald Cruises found that 49% of Brits are considering a winter sun holiday this year, with 13% having already booked one. The data also reveals that almost two-thirds of Brits (63%) believe a sunny holiday significantly enhances their mental health, while over a third (35%) also report improvements in their physical health, such as better joint and muscle flexibility from the warmer climate.
To uncover the hidden benefits of a winter sun holiday, Emerald Cruises spoke to cognitive behavioural psychotherapist Julia Neesam, who explains that winter sun can improve sleep, energy levels and mental health.
The impact of winter weather on mental health – and how just 30 minutes in the sun can help
According to the study, 63% of Brits report an improvement to their mental health and wellbeing thanks to a dose of winter sun.
Julia Neesam, CBT therapist, explains the impact that winter weather can have on our wellbeing:
“The weather can have a huge effect on mood. With shorter days and gloomier conditions here in the UK, we often experience a drop in serotonin levels, which usually helps lift our mood. Additionally, a lack of vitamin D can lead to lethargy and fatigue.”
“A winter sun holiday can help alleviate these feelings by increasing both serotonin and vitamin D levels. Even just 30 minutes in the sun can make a difference to your mood and wellbeing.”
The wellness benefits of winter sun
1. More energy
Over two-fifths (44%) of Brits said their energy levels improved by taking a winter sun holiday. Julia explains:
“Increased sunlight exposure during the winter months helps your body produce more vitamin D, which is linked to improved energy levels. Therefore, a winter sun holiday can give you more energy to exercise or be more active, in turn helping physical health too.”
2. Better mood
More than half (53%) of Brits said that their mood was enhanced by a winter sun holiday.
“A winter sun holiday can work wonders for lifting your mood. Spending time in the sun helps increase vitamin D levels, which is closely linked to better mental wellbeing. Sunlight exposure can also balance serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone, helping to combat the low mood that often comes with darker winter days.”
3. Vitamin D boost
The NHS recommends that between October and March, Brits should supplement their vitamin D intake, as sunlight alone doesn’t provide enough in the UK. Adults and children over one year old need around 10 micrograms daily to avoid deficiency.
While dietary adjustments and supplements can help, a winter sun holiday is another excellent way to naturally increase vitamin D levels.
Julia explains: “A winter sun holiday is a great way to boost your vitamin D levels. This essential vitamin plays a vital role in supporting bone health, improving the immune system, and reducing the risk of physical illness.”
“On top of that, vitamin D can help to improve your mood and fight off feelings of fatigue and tiredness. So, soaking up some sun can make it easier to stay active and enjoy your day-to-day life, especially when winter leaves us feeling a bit low.”
4. Improved sleep
The survey revealed that a quarter of Brits (25%) experience improved sleep quality on a winter sun holiday.
Explaining why, Julia says: “Our sleeping habits can be thrown out of balance during the winter months when we’re not getting enough sunlight during the day. A winter sun holiday can help reset our body’s sleep rhythm by increasing our exposure to natural light.
“Sunlight naturally boosts melatonin production too, which is key for improving both the quality and consistency of our sleep.”
Lasting benefits for mental wellbeing
As two-thirds of Brits (66%) experience sadness or anxiety upon returning from a holiday, Julia reveals how a winter sun holiday can have lasting effects on mental health – and help combat those holiday blues.
Julia notes: “A winter sun holiday can offer several long-term benefits for wellbeing, namely the increase in vitamin D, which can support a healthy immune system. Increased serotonin also provides lasting effects to your mood and mental health.
“Beyond vitamin D and serotonin, a winter sun holiday also provides a break in routine and the opportunity to reflect and destress. These holidays can leave you with lasting memories of joyful times, enhanced social connections, and a broadened knowledge of the world.”
Winter sun: The ultimate SAD prescription?
For anyone who hasn’t thought about a winter getaway, Julia shares why a tropical escape might be the perfect cure for the winter blues – whether it’s a Caribbean cruise or a Greek island retreat. “Dependent on finance, a winter sun holiday could be recommended to help patients break the cycle of low mood and stress.”