Gen Z have an interesting way of combatting the winter blues
Brits have revealed their ultimate tips to beat the winter blues, including hunting for a bargain or freebie, taking themselves on a ‘solo date’, and indulging in their favourite comfort food.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 58 per cent make a conscious effort to lift their mood during the colder months, seeking out small moments of comfort, joy and surprise to break the monotony.
With sitting in front of the fire while it’s raining outside, booking something fun to look forward to, like a gig or comedy show, and creating a vision board for the year ahead also featuring on the list.
Gen Z have their own way of dealing with things, and are the most likely generation to take themselves on a solo date or go on a shopping spree, in research given exclusively to JOE.
Lack of light and bad weather were identified as the biggest contributors to feeling blue, especially having to get out of bed and commute while it’s still dark outside.
In response, Boursin has partnered with Michelin-trained chef Jack Blumenthal to deliver unexpected comfort to commuters, elevating some of the UK’s favourite everyday comfort foods with a flavourful twist.
The dishes served to passers-by at Waterloo Station all featured Boursin Blue Cheese Flavour, which reimagines blue cheeses by combining the brand’s signature creamy base with a mild and approachable blue flavour.
The pop-up comes as the research also found that food is a key source of comfort for 76 per cent of Brits during winter months, especially indulging in hearty, warming dishes.
Jack Blumenthal said: “January can feel very predictable, so bringing surprise servings into a busy station is a way of reminding people that everyday moments can still feel special.
“These are proper comfort dishes – creamy soups, golden gooey croque monsieurs, and indulgent mac and cheese – familiar favourites made more irresistible with an unexpected twist of Boursin Blue Cheese Flavour.
“It’s smooth and delicate rather than overpowering, which makes it perfect for everyday cooking.”
The study found a classic roast dinner was the top comfort food people turn to during the colder months, with soup (36 per cent), cheese toasties (23 per cent), and rich, creamy pasta (23 per cent) also on the list.
Four in 10 (41 per cent) also opt to spice up their classic comforts by adding new twists to their favourite meals, such as by adding extra herbs and spices (38 per cent), contrasting textures (27 per cent), or different types of an ingredient they usually use (24 per cent).
A quarter (24 per cent) turn to these comfort foods daily, or even multiple times day, to lift their spirits – with half needing a pick-me-up the most when it’s rainy and miserable outside.
While 38 per cent seek out small comforts when they feel under the weather themselves or on a dull evening lacking any social plans (26 per cent), according to the OnePoll.com data.
In terms of Gen Z, the youth of today are the most likely generation to make a conscious effort to lift their own mood, with 75 per cent saying they do so compared to 58 per cent of other adults.
While they report similarly loving comfort food (39 per cent) and little treats (34 per cent), 16 per cent of gen Z also say they will take themselves on a solo date to beat the winter blues, compared to just 8 per cent of all adults.
They are also the most likely generation to go on a shopping spree, with 22 per cent saying they would do so to deal with the weather.
January is well known for being a gloomy month, which may be why 58 per cent are choosing to mark the end of the month in some way to officially say goodbye and good riddance.
A spokesperson for the brand, which commissioned the research, said: “As dark commutes and cold evenings set in, it’s completely natural for people to seek small moments of joy to lift their mood, particularly during January.
“Our research shows many people are craving comforting, uplifting experiences, and we were delighted to bring a spark of joy to some of London’s commuters.
“We also found that over a quarter of people have never tried blue cheese, often because in its traditional form it can feel intimidating.
“Even the biggest of sceptics at Waterloo were pleasantly surprised by our creamy blue-cheese-inspired comfort dishes, designed for those curious about the flavour and showing that the ingredient is perfect for adding a delicious twist to everyday cooking.”
Top 20 things Brits do to beat the winter blues
1. Enjoy my favourite comfort food
2. Treat myself to little things during the day
3. Book something fun to look forward to (gig, comedy show)
4. Eat out at a new restaurant
5. Try out a new recipe
6. Hunt out a bargain or freebie
7. Go on a shopping spree
8. Have a duvet day
9. Sit in front of a fire while it’s raining outside
10. Go on a spontaneous trip somewhere new
11. Have a movie marathon
12. Create a “feel-good” playlist
13. Have a luxury bath with candles and music
14. surprise a friend or partner
15. Take myself on a “solo date”
16. Learn a new skill (like woodworking or an instrument)
17. Create a vision board for the year ahead
18. Learn a new craft (like origami, crochet, or candle making)
19. Host a dinner party
20. Try an unusual food combination
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