Seasons
How are you feeling as the clocks go back?
For many, Autumn means cosy jumpers, warm fires and brisk walks as well as a pleasing countdown to Christmas! For others however, the dark nights and colder days can be more challenging, impacting on mood and wellbeing. Notice how you respond to different seasons – not everyone struggles in the Autumn and Winter, but if you are someone who does, then noticing and acknowledging this is an important first step.
How are you affected?
Do you find it harder to get out the door and moving?
Do you walk to work in the Summer?
Are you less likely to arrange to meet friends as the evenings shorten?
Moving in the Winter
Sunlight and movement are undoubtedly good for our mental health, and it is easy to see how access to both is unavoidably reduced in the colder months; there are simply fewer hours of daylight for us to make use of. It’s much less appealing to go for a walk in the pouring rain than in the gentle sunshine (as a general rule) and so our natural inclination to get out and about is much lower in the winter months. A little hibernating is to be expected but there can be a delicate balance between allowing ourselves to stay home and keep warm (and dry!) and making sure that we provide opportunities for our bodies and minds to benefit from regular movement.
For some, indoor activities will be the answer: gym-based exercise, swimming, and online classes can all help to make exercise more accessible. A rescheduling of activities can also be useful, it might be easier to get out for a walk early in the day when time allows rather than heading out into a dark evening. However you feel encouraged to move during the winter, try and incorporate as much as possible to help boost mood and energy levels as well as maintaining physical health.
Diet and Sleep
Think about your diet and sleep, are they different in the winter months? It may not be as immediately obvious, but some people will experience changes here too. If this is the case for you then how do you feel the impact on your overall wellbeing? Our immune systems can be asked to work overtime when winter illnesses are circulating, and indoor environments are less well ventilated so it can be helpful to make sure that we nourish and rest our bodies as best we can.
What are you looking forward to?
Perhaps you love fireworks, maybe Christmas is your favourite time of year, or boots and coats just make you happy! Focus on anything that feels like a positive for you and, on the other hand, if there are events that you know you will struggle with, be kind to yourself, acknowledge that you are working through a difficult time. Reach out to others where you can and remember to speak with your GP if things begin to feel too much.
It’s okay to ask for help and generally, the earlier we do, the better.
So what next?
Check out the NHS website for tips on beating the winter blues:
If you feel you need to speak to a registered professional, have a look through the BACP counsellor directory, or get in touch with us to make an appointment with Aine.
Call us on: 0161 676 0341
Email us at: info@wellbeing-rehab.co.uk
Specialist providers of clinical and wellbeing services designed to meet your individual health needs.