Driving Through the Winter Blues: How Car Enthusiasts Can Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder

As the clocks go back and daylight hours shrink, many people begin to feel their energy drop. The winter months can impact more than just your routine. For some, it triggers a deeper mental health struggle known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. If you’re a car enthusiast, your passion could hold the key to feeling better this season.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Often called “winter depression,” Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that tends to occur during autumn and winter, when sunlight hours are at their lowest. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include:

• Persistent low mood or sadness
• Sleep issues or sleeping too much
• Lack of energy or motivation
• Cravings for carbohydrates and weight gain
• Reduced interest in daily activities

The condition is widely recognised. The NHS overview of Seasonal Affective Disorder explains that SAD is linked to lower light levels affecting melatonin and serotonin, which play a key role in mood and sleep regulation.

Why Winter Affects Car Enthusiasts Too

For many of us, cars are more than a hobby. They are how we connect with others, unwind after a tough day or find clarity on a quiet back road. But when winter hits, car meets slow down, roads get colder and covered in salt, and garage time becomes less appealing (especially if your garage doesn't have a heater). If your usual outlet for stress takes a hit, it can affect your mental health without you even realising.

5 Ways to Use Cars to Beat the Winter Blues

1. Get Out for a Drive

A solo drive can be a perfect mental reset. Choose a route with some scenery, play your favourite music and just focus on the road ahead. Exposure to daylight, even behind the windscreen, helps regulate your body clock and improve your mood.

2. Tinker and Tune

If you're fortunate to have the space, garage time can be therapy in disguise. Whether you are detailing, repairing or planning your next upgrade, spending time with your car gives you something tangible to focus on. The progress you make in even a short session can lift your spirits.

3. Stay Connected to the Car Scene

Just because it’s colder outside doesn’t mean the car community stops. Stay involved through group chats, online forums or digital meet-ups. At Takona, we run Coffees & Cars events throughout the year to bring people together, whatever the weather.

4. Plan a Winter Drive Day

Check your car is winter-ready, choose a clear day and hit the road. Winter mornings have a beauty of their own, with quiet roads and low golden light. A peaceful drive on a crisp Sunday morning, with the windows down and the radio up, might be just the thing you need.

5. Start a Conversation

You don’t need to have all the answers. Just checking in with a mate or sharing how you’re feeling can be powerful. Our message at Takona is simple. ITS OK TO TLK. The car is the vehicle, but the goal is always open conversation. A conversation started over cars can be the gateway to a proper check in, don't be afraid to share with those that care when you're not feeling as chipper as you might usually be. 

You’re Not Alone

SAD is a real condition that affects thousands each winter. But you’re not powerless against it. You already have a powerful tool in your hands — your love of cars. Use it to stay active, stay connected and start conversations that matter.

Don’t wait for summer to feel better. Take that first step. Go for a drive. Call a friend. Get back into the garage. Let your passion guide you out of the gloom.

Explore more from Takona:

• How Car Culture Is Driving Mental Health Awareness
• Join a Coffees & Cars Meet
• Shop Our ITS OK TO TLK Collection

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