Darker Days Ahead
We are heading into the dark days of winter in Canada and while the days grow shorter, our energies dip. Why? For many, it’s from dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD contributes to an increase or beginning of depression, anxiety, and more symptoms. Some quick tips and tricks for beating the winter blues include:
Purchase SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) lighting and begin using each morning to suppress the sleepy melatonin hormone with a good dose of morning light. When the sun goes down, melatonin will rise again and it's best to keep artificial lights indoors to a minimum or purchase Blue Blocking Glasses.
Embrace the Danish concept of Hygge. While it's a bit difficult to translate exactly, imagine cozy sweaters with warm socks. Soft candlelight and hot tea. Think of what it means to be gentle and plan small social connections (COVID-friendly in any case) with only a couple of people to really savour the intimate conversation.
Purchase a crock pot or pressure cooker and buy lentils and beans in bulk. Pick a day to cook that allows you to enjoy the chopping and seasoning and fill the air with the smell of hearty goodness. Always double the batch and take one mason jar of soup to someone who might be sick or in need.
Buy candles. Lots and lots of candles. If you buy scented, be sure to purchase only those made with essential oils as the rest are not healthy for your indoor living space. Practice lighting a short while each evening when the sun goes down and your brain will begin to look forward to this time of day.
Eat pineapple and orange together.
Buy extra warm winter gear with tall snow boots, woolen hats and mittens and create a space for them by the door. Second hand will do. Every morning, before you even brush your teeth or hair, bundle up and walk. You don't have to commit to anything grand. Even 5 minutes outdoors will do.
Vitamin D and Omega 3's. Both are excellent mood busters, and necessary.
Create long lists of winter indoor projects like sorting photos into albums or purging old DVD's. Perhaps there is a hobby you've been meaning to explore. Now is the time.
And finally, find gratitude for this time of introspection.
Kim Sargent
Clinical Director
Canadian Family Health Counselling