Jan

Winter Blues

Ah, snow. Isn’t it pretty?

It seems to be never ending, doesn’t it? The kids are off school – it’s hard to get into work and Cabin Fever is beginning to set in.

If you are finding yourself bored, irritable, lethargic, comfort eating, and have cabin fever—if all you want to do is sleep, then you most likely have the winter blues.

This is not to be confused with SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder) where people find themselves depressed and fatigued to the point that their personal and professional lives begin to suffer.

The good news is that there are ways to turn your winter blues around in no time at all.

An easy and everyday thing we can do to fortify our health is eat good food.

Fresh, organic vegetables and fruit are among nature’s most powerful healing agents, supplying anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Also, it’s important to keep yourself hydrated. Central heating and hot showers/baths are very dehydrating – so making sure you get your 2 litres (4 pints) of water each day is essential. You can have hot water if you find room temperature too cold. Add a slice of lemon for flavour.

Although sunlight is in short supply at this time of year, being exposed to bright light will increase your serotonin and vitamin D levels.

But let’s face it, not all of us can go for a beach holiday in the middle of winter – a good alternative is to get a light box.

During the day, raise the blinds, pull back the curtains and let the sunshine in.

Even on overcast days, the additional light will make you feel better. At night, close the curtains and blinds to keep the house warm.

And should you see the sun at all – try and get out in it. Exercise can also help to boost both your mood and your immune system.

When the weather permits, take a 15 – 20 minute brisk walk around the neighbourhood. The fresh air and exercise will get your heart pumping and clear the cobwebs from your mind.

So, clear your front path or try and dig out your car. Even in inclement weather you can step outside your door and do some deep breathing to enhance your mental well-being.

Plan ahead. Have a purpose each day to get you out of the house for a brief time.

Run one errand per day. If you plan your errands to be accomplished in daily increments, when inclement weather does prevent you from getting out, you will be better able to cope.

If you feel tired when the sun sets (the natural way our bodies should feel), then listen to your body! It’s telling you it’s time to rest.

Most of us, however, stay up much later than our bodies would like, which tends to impair the adrenal glands and the immune system.

A sound night’s sleep can do wonders for your mood and will help you to feel ready to take on a new day in the morning.

Increasing your intake of Omega 3 can also help – good sources of this are nuts, flaxseed and oily fish.

If you find yourself feeling down for no apparent reason then the flower remedy Mustard can really help pick you back up.

To conquer some of the dis-ease of Cabin Fever, take stock of the clutter in your house.

Stacks of yellowed magazines, dust-coated collectibles and dated clothes in your wardrobe may be undermining your positive thoughts and emotions, thus contributing to your “fever.”

Clearing your clutter can help bring about harmony and balance in your house and also your mind.

This is easier said than done. It’s the getting started that’s the key.

Here’s a tip. Make two lists.

One list contains tasks that can be accomplished in 15 minutes, such as organising the holiday decorations before you return them to storage and alphabetising your CDs, if you must.

A weekend list is filled with projects that require an hour or two of your time and energy.

Bigger chores include clearing out the spare room, and sorting through your child’s unused toys and deciding together how to put them back in service by giving them away or donating them.

Make sure you take the time to treat yourself – whether you sit down with a cup of tea and a really good book or you have a massage at the Holistic Health Clinic – make sure that time is just for you!