Have you noticed it’s getting just a tiny bit lighter in the mornings & evenings? Yes, we’re past 21 December, the point of lowest energy in the year. Many people struggle in the winter, and think that there are months to go before Spring: the good news is that from now on, every day is a little longer.
The human body responds to light, to regulate our circadian rhythms. These are our internal control, which help regulate daily patterns such as digestion, sleep and energy. When we lived a more outdoor life, before modern comforts of electricity and central heating, our bodies responded to the natural flow of the seasons more easily. Now that we spend more time indoors, we miss out on the natural cycle, and it’s common to feel sluggish and lethargic at this time of year. Many people also start to experience low moods – and if we upset our body clocks significantly, SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) can result.
If you struggle with SAD, or the “winter blues”, here are a couple of tips to help:
Try and get outside every day, to enjoy the daylight. Even better if the sky is blue and it’s sunny: wrap up warmly and make the most of it. Exercise releases endorphins, which trigger a positive feeling in the body. A brisk walk will also help the New Year’s Resolution to get fit!
If you work in an office, try and get a desk near a window, so that you can see the sunlight.
Don’t be afraid to sleep a bit longer at this time of year. Look outside: nature is sleeping, resting from the height of summer, to recharge before the push of Spring. Try going to bed earlier rather than sleeping in, so that you make the most of the daylight hours.
Feed yourself with nourishing, warming foods. It’s tempting to turn towards comfort food – ie stodge – but this won’t help your energy levels. Warming soups & stews will.
Stay positive: a lot has been said recently about “hygge” – a Danish word that (roughly) translates as coziness and friendship: make a list of things to look forward to(theatre ticket, meeting up with friends, seeing an exhibition about something that really interests you) – to bring in inner warmth.
And don’t forget acupuncture: many people come for treatment to help them navigate the change in seasonal patterns, particularly at this time of year. If you’d like to know more, email me at Jeanie@jgordonacupuncture.org.uk