13 Scientific and Simple Ways Winter Loneliness Triggers Inflammation (and How to Heal)

9. Art Therapy: Creating Your Way to Calm

One surprisingly simple remedy for winter’s stress is right at your fingertips: creativity. A single, relaxed art-making session has been shown to noticeably lower cortisol—the classic “loneliness hormone”—in healthy adults. Whether it’s doodling, painting, knitting, or music, creative acts free your mind from worry and invite a sense of agency. Dr. Girija Kaimal says making art in any form can help people take charge of distress and feel more like themselves again. No prior skill is needed—just the willingness to start. As creative energy flows, so does relief, sparking hope and healing even on the grayest winter afternoons.

10. Nature’s Anti-Inflammatory Power—Even Indoors

Savoring time in nature is a proven way to calm stress and inflammation, but winter can make outdoor escapes a challenge. Here’s what science and experience both confirm: even glimpses of green—indoor plants, a sunny window, or pictures of natural landscapes—can help. Dr. Qing Li’s research in Japan and North America shows that being among trees, or even gardening inside, triggers lower stress hormones and boosts well-being. If you can bundle up, a short forest or park walk will do wonders. If not, tending houseplants or arranging fresh flowers refreshes the senses and the immune system alike.