Winter blues in Prague: coping with dark months

From November to February, Prague days are short and often grey. Many people notice lower energy, more sleep, cravings and a flatter mood. For expats from sunnier countries, the first Czech winter can come as a shock.

Winter blues or something more?

Feeling a bit slower in winter is common. When low mood, loss of interest, tiredness and difficulty functioning last for weeks, it may be seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder), which is worth discussing with a professional.

What helps

• Get daylight early: a morning walk, even on cloudy days.
• Move your body regularly, indoors or out.
• Keep a steady sleep routine.
• Plan small things to look forward to: a weekly dinner with friends, a class, a short trip.
• Stay connected. Winter makes it tempting to stay in, but isolation tends to make low mood worse.
• Ask about a light therapy lamp if winter is regularly hard for you.

If winter is affecting your work or relationships, you don’t have to wait for spring. Talking to someone can help.

Prague Integration offers counselling for expats and locals in over 10 languages, online or in person in Prague 1. Book a free discovery session and we will match you with the right person.