The secrets you need to thrive in winter and beat the spring blues

AAre the winter blues threatening your home and work life?

As I get older, the prospect of winter and the inevitable lack of sunlight makes me want to go down before the clocks go back, as they did last weekend. It’s clear I’m not alone, 1 in 20 people in the UK have suspected SAD (seasonal affective disorder) which can cause fatigue, low productivity, difficulty concentrating and feelings of loneliness or sadness . There is also an inevitable cycle of destruction when you feel unable to “push forward”.

A great book called ‘Self Care for Winter’ has just hit the shelves, and for someone like me who dreads the colder months, this could be a life saver at home and at work.

The good news is that the author, psychologist Suzy Reading, highlights coping strategies and provides tools to help see winter in a new light.

The first step to reorganization, however, is to recognize the seasons for what they are – clearly distinct seasons characterized by specific weather conditions, light temperatures and patterns. I am say to feel different and we say to respond differently to them. Modern life makes it difficult to listen and pause, adjust and commit to a more compassionate pace.

Look at how plant and animal kingdoms respond to environmental changes, slowing down, hibernating. Why do we expect ourselves as humans to be immune? So first, show yourself compassion and understanding – naturally you don’t have to feel or act like you did during the summer. Second, hosting will take more planning and preparation to keep you fed, hydrated, moving and connected. Note that these are the pillars of winter self-care.

This book is about curiosity – in that he explains that you need to expose yourself to new experiences and ways of thinking during the winter. Actively improving our ability to take care of not only the natural beauty found in winter but also to take care of our personal needs. These books are about the “bright spot” of everyday which is a challenge at the end of the day to think about the good things you have seen or seen. Train the neural mechanisms to be grateful and focus on the moments that bring you joy, whatever they are. (I keep a little notebook by my bed and note 3-5 of these before I go to sleep and it has helped me a lot).

The non-negotiable tool in your winter maintenance kit has to be mobility. It is best to do this outside for 20 minutes regardless of the weather and do it before lunch so that the sunlight can enter your retina and start the rhythm. your circadian. If it’s down and you can’t face it, at least do some stretching indoors. Whatever your bag is – just go, it’s necessary.

Lighting and colors though the sun and your location help a lot. Because we don’t see much from the natural world, supplementing as much as possible with natural day trips, filling our homes with different electric lights (a good combination) choosing clothes that light up and add color to our homes and workplaces. it is shown to cultivate our inner sunshine.

Comforting Savior rituals like long baths, movie nights with hot chocolate, hobbies, making healthy meals and enjoying the scents of spring. In fact, these are not small things at all – they are wonderful accessories that work with the season, not against it, and help create a beautiful home in which to spend the winter and relax common diseases.

Finally save the connections. Many people see less of their friends or family in the winter due to a natural tendency to be sad, which may include working from home more than in the milder months. Yet social relationships and feelings of belonging are important to humans even in hibernation. Knowing that there is a world and people you can reach out to is very important, so pick up the phone and chat even if you can’t meet in person.

I’m going into November with an open mind, I’m equipped and I’m determined that this will finally be the winter that I succeed.

Nicola Elliott is the founder of the health brand NEOM, and her book, ‘The Four Ways to Wellbeing: Better Sleep. Stress Relief. Extra Strength. Mood Boost’, published by Penguin