For those of us in the Northern hemisphere, there is no getting away from it; those colder months will be here before we know it.
Certain songs will soon begin playing on our radios, our inboxes will fill up with Black Friday deals quicker than we can delete them and, certainly in the UK, if we work 9-5 we might well be lucky to see any sunshine at all from Monday to Friday...
But that all sounds a little negative, and winter doesn’t have to be that way. We also get to open our curtains on those rare snow-covered mornings (when, wonderfully my garden looks like everyone else’s for a few precious hours) for those with family we also look forward to a festive season full of loved ones and celebration, and then there are the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas markets, office parties and “secret Santa”.
This year of course, the spectre of COVID-19 will also hover above all our heads in what will surely prove to be a long and stressful few months. Taking good care of ourselves is going to be important and the smart thinkers aren’t waiting, they have already made a start in anticipation of a second wave of Coronavirus and the very real possibility of further lockdowns.
For a lot of people, those few months before and after Christmas already prove to be a tough time. For those without families, those who are socially isolated or those with mental health problems, this time of year can be something to be endured more than celebrated.
This year more than ever before, Autumn and Winter will be important times to look after your wellbeing, both physically and mentally.
Here are just a few ways to do just that.
Shed some light on the problem
By that I mean natural light, which again if you live in the Northern hemisphere, can be pretty tough with precious few daylight hours meaning we often feel tired, sluggish and at a low ebb mentally.
Don’t waste those rare sunny days, even if its chilly, a walk and some natural sunlight will do you the world of good, physically and mentally.
You might also think about investing in a light that is tailored towards those who are affected by Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD) as they emulate sunlight and supplement your daily intake of light.
Eat more vegetables and fruit
Yes, it’s a cliché but for good reason. If you’re craving that sugary comfort food, go natural with sweet clementine or tangerines, and make the most of those wonderful winter vegetables, it is the perfect time for a rustic winter stew.
Vegetables and fruit have another vital property during that aid us during those long winter months, they boost our immune systems and help our bodies to fight viruses.
Food such as ginger, red peppers, spinach, citrus fruits and broccoli are just a few of the foods that can help our immune systems ward off infection.
Don’t forget the dairy
One thing we can be certain of, winter comes with a plethora of bugs, and you can be sure at any given time your office, school or home will contain at least one person with a cold or influenza.
Keep your immune system in good condition with dairy produce such as cheese, yoghurt, fromage frais and milk, they are packed with protein, vitamins A and B12 and calcium, all important but in winter even more so, and think about porridge in the mornings, It’s the perfect winter breakfast which will keep your engine running until lunch.
Make yourself a priority
Lastly but certainly not least is the art of self-love. Winter is a challenging time for all kinds of reasons, this year even more so with the added worry of Coronavirus and limitations placed on where we can go and what we might be able to do.
Don’t forget to indulge in the things you enjoy, if safe to do so. Things such as warm nights by the fire, candles, snug blankets and walks in nature on a winter’s morning. They all contribute towards our health and wellbeing.
Stay well and take heart, spring will soon be here!
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