aAre the winter blues already threatening your home and work life?
As we get older, the arrival of winter and the inevitable lack of sunlight can leave us feeling depressed before the clocks turn back. It was the same last weekend. Obviously I’m not the only one. One in 20 people in the UK are reported to have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which can cause fatigue, reduced productivity, difficulty concentrating, feelings of loneliness and sadness. There is also an inevitable cycle of destruction if you feel that you are not capable enough to “make it”.
a wonderful book called “Winter self-care” ‘ has just hit store shelves, and for people like me who are absolutely terrified of the cold season, this could be a real lifesaver in terms of family and work life.
The good news is that author, psychologist Susie Reading, highlights coping strategies and provides a toolkit to help you see winter in a new light.
But the first step to reframing is recognizing the seasons as they really are. This is a distinctly different period, distinguished by special climatic conditions, light temperatures and patterns. they are meaning Feeling different and we meaning To react differently to them. Modern life makes it difficult to listen, pause, readjust, and engage in a more considerate pace.
See how the plant and animal kingdoms react to changes in their environment, slowing down or hibernating. Why do we as humans expect ourselves to be unaffected? First, show yourself compassion and understanding. Biologically, you are not capable of feeling or acting the way you do at the height of summer. Then accept that staying nourished, hydrated, moving, and connected will require a little more planning and preparation. Recognize that these are the pillars of winter self-care.
The book talks about curiosity, and she explains that in winter we need to open ourselves to new experiences and ways of thinking. Not only do we become aware of the natural beauty available in winter, we actively develop our ability to recognize our own human needs. This book talks about the daily “sparkle spot,” a challenge at the end of the day to reflect on what you noticed and the wonderful things you experienced. Train those neural pathways to be grateful and focus on the moments that bring you joy, no matter what they are. (I keep a small notebook next to my bed and jot down 3-5 things before I go to bed. It helps a lot).
An essential part of your winter care kit is physical activity. Ideally, do this outside in all weather conditions for 20 minutes, and before lunch to allow sunlight to enter your retinas and initiate your circadian rhythm. If you can’t stand the pain, at least try stretching indoors. No matter what your bag is, it’s important to move it anyway.
Increasing light and color into your day and space can really help. We don’t see much from the natural world, so we compensate as much as possible with natural light walks, fill our homes with lighting of different wattages (mixing is better), choose bright clothes, and add color to our homes and workplaces. Infuse. It has been shown to cultivate our own internal sunlight.
Rescue rituals that give you peace, like taking a long bath, watching a movie with hot chocolate, self-massage, cooking nourishing food, and enjoying the scents of the season. These are actually no small things. These are great tools to help you create a cozy home that works with the seasons rather than against them, winters in, and reduces common ailments.
Finally, stay connected. In winter, many people work from home more often than in the colder months, and due to the natural desire to curl up, many people spend time with friends and family in winter. I will meet you less often. However, social connections and a sense of belonging are extremely important to humans, even in hibernation mode. It’s so important to realize that there’s a world and community out there that you can reach out to, so even if you can’t meet in person, pick up the phone and chat.
I’m heading into November with an open mind, geared up, and determined that this winter is finally where I can grow.
Nicola Elliott is the founder of wellness brand NEOM and author of the book The Four Ways to Wellbeing: Better Sleep. Reduces stress. More energy. Mood Boost” is published by Penguin.
