Small comforts will see us through winter and the constant ‘permacrisis’

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Food and family time helps to get through winter times

Brits will turn to movies, family time - and comfort food to get them through a gloomy winter, according to research.

A new study of 2,000 adults found 57 per cent actively look for pick-me-ups when the nights grow longer, and days grow colder to boost their moods.

Watching a movie (26 per cent), spending time with family (24 per cent), eating comfort food (23 per cent) and fluffy socks (19 per cent) were comforts people seek to see them through the colder months.

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.”

“Finding relief from the constant ‘permacrisis’ of the last few months and winter can be a particularly challenging time.

“Positive distractions such as watching a favourite movie and spending time with loved ones are both excellent ways of giving yourself a break from chronic, heightened stress.”

More than half of those surveyed (54 per cent) said the reason they looked for a winter pick me up was to boost their mood.