I love winter. But I know many don’t and when it arrives, many feel it. It’s the shorter days, the tiredness, the pressure to be festive, the cold that sneaks into our bones and routines. It’s a season that can bring both comfort and strain.

This makes it the perfect moment to talk about PERMA + V, a wellbeing model from Positive Psychology that gives us a practical, compassionate framework for understanding what helps humans thrive.

Importantly, PERMA + V isn’t just about feeling good. It’s also about doing good. Research shows that people who engage in small acts of kindness, connection and contribution don’t just help others, they also strengthen their own wellbeing. Doing good and doing well are deeply connected.

So here’s a simple guide to the model, how it works and how you can use it to support yourself this winter.