Spiritual Earth – Tips to boost your wellbeing in winter
The extra hour in bed on Sunday morning was lovely – but like with most things in life – it had a price. It accelerated the shift to shorter afternoons and longer and darker evenings. During the colder, darker days, we can feel less inclined to go out, move and connect with others. If not managed, these factors can reduce wellbeing and motivation and increase feelings of loneliness, and isolation.
The shift from almost 18 hours of day light in the summer to only eight in Winter has a big impact and can disrupt our bodies normal rhythms and lives in many ways. Self-care looks different in the colder darker season. The sun is the main source of light and life in the world. It enables us to see, breathe, and grow and eat nourishing food. Through photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and energy in the form of sugar which sustains us.
The reduction in daylight has a big effect on people. For some it can bring about SAD, seasonally affected disorder which has a range of symptoms. SAD can make some people feel depressed and lead to increased weight for others. Other symptoms include sleep problems, irritability, lethargy, overeating and otherwise generally feeling down and unsociable.
While the reality of going to work before the sun is up and coming home in the dark can be challenging for many, SAD is more than that. Those affected by it can lose their interest and passion for life and feel unmotivated. It is believed that more women are affected by SAD. Less light stimulation can lead to low mood. It is harder to get out of bed on darker days. Shorter days (less daylight), can also give the illusion of having less time.
For those juggling with many priorities – self-care pcan easily end up at the bottom of the list and even get dropped altogether. This is a mistake as we need more self-care during this time. Animals hibernate for a reason. Here’s seven tips to help ensure you are getting enough nourishment, care and stimulation during the winter.
Make time to Exercise. This will energize you and put oomph into your day. Move more during the day. It will also warm you up.
Spend time outdoors during daylight. Go for a walk before work or at lunchtime. Exposure to sun light boosts Vitamin D and you’ll feel much better for it. Change your work day routine if you can – to optimise light exposure.
Eat plenty of fresh food to keep your energy levels high and lift your mood. Home-made soups, stews and curries will keep you warm. Take it easy on comforting carbs.
Have good boundaries with technology. Remember, it is there to enhance your life not to take it over!
Get enough rest and sleep.
Talk to friends and family and spend time with people you love.
Take up a new hobby. Doing something new that interests you will bring excitement into your life.
Your wellbeing formula – the routine that keeps you happy, healthy and comfortable will likely be different in Winter – at least in a climate like Ireland where there is such a difference in the amount of sun we have in peak summer and peak winter. This shift in light is significant. It affects mood, mindset, energy levels and your circadian rhythms. Take time over the coming weeks to work out what pattern works best of you in the winter season. This will pay great dividends over the coming months.