Beat the Winter Blues
Online, October 5, 2009 (Newswire.com) - The days are starting to get shorter and the nights are drawing in. Whether you're one of the 10% of people in the UK who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or just a fan of sunshine, it can be common to feel a bit low in October so here are www.spacetobeco.uk top tips for beating the winter blues...
1. Let there be light - light therapy has been proven to reduce the symptoms of SAD so why not make sure you go outside at lunchtime for some daylight, get an alarm clock that wakes you up by simulating natural light or invest in a lightbox.
2. Embrace Autumn and look for its good points. Collect conkers and walk in the leaves with your kids, sit by the open fire in cosy pubs, admire the changing colours of the trees. The less you resent the changing of the season the less stressed and down you'll feel.
3. Adjust to the rhythm of Autumn and slow down. Animals start to hibernate at this time of year and we are instinctively drawn to doing so too. Don't try and keep up the pace of Summer, instead conserve some of your energy and be gentle with yourself. Keep active but don't overstretch yourself.
4. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Autumn is the time when the yin cycle begins which is all about femininity, nourishment and passiveness. Acupuncture and Tai Chi can help to restore balance in your energy and emotions. TCM also suggests keeping the kidneys warm to boost your immune system so make sure your back is wrapped up nicely.
5. Make your home a haven by creating sensuous experiences and surrounding yourself with comforting items. Take long hot baths, and have plenty of scented candles, fairy lights and luxurious blankets in your home.
6. Being outside can lift your mood and help fight the lethargy so plan in some long country walks or play some sport outside at the weekends.
7. Plan in some fun activities to look forward to and make regular commitments to go out so you don't sent the entire Autumn sat at work or at home. Conversations with friends are a boost to your energy and spirits whilst watching television depletes your energy so make an effort to meet or phone friends or read a book rather than watch too much television.
8. Choose clothing that makes you feel warm and cosy in bright colours to cheer you up. A cosy jumper in red for example will help boost your mood and your confidence and will feel great to wear too.
9. Get excited about Autumn and Winter celebrations like Bonfire Night and Christmas. Enjoy the bonfires, fireworks and Christmas lights. Watch films that boost your spirits such as Love Actually or It's A Wonderful Life.
10. Finally remember that Autumn is temporary. It will be gone as quickly as it arrived and its days are precious so be careful not to wish your life away or put your happiness on hold until Spring. Why not make a conscious choice to have your best Autumn yet?
Carla Miller is a life coach and founder of Spacetobe.co.uk which offers life support and feel-good moments for busy women. The Ultimate Unwind hypnotherapy track is designed to help you relax after a long day and to boost your spirits. The CD costs £13.99 and the MP3 download cost £9.99 - both available from www.spacetobe.co.uk