Are you feeling the winter blues? Congratulations! You’re in tune with this season!
The winter blues, are a milder version of SAD, (NHS: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. SAD is sometimes known as “winter depression” because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter). Winter blues symptoms can include:
A gloomier mood than normal
Lack of motivation, feeling blocked
Irritability, boredom, fatigue
Excess sleeping, or difficulty getting out of the bed in the morning
Less keen in being around others, you might also have noticed that people are less keen to make eye contact?
Difficulty in staying with your usual fitness routine
Cravings for carbohydrates, overeating, and weight gain
The days are shorter, nights are longer and it’s cold outside, and wet! And the buzz from the festive period has now gone. Winter’s shorter daylight hours and overall lack of sunlight can result in a biochemical imbalance in the body. But this happens for a reason…This season is linked to the water element (TCM) and invite us to go inwards, rest and recharge. Think about animals, by going into hibernation during this season they conserve their energy, allowing their system to rest, restore and recharge. Yes I know, we have jobs, family and other responsibilities to take care of, so hibernation is not an option for us! However, there are things you can try to bring a sense of pause and rest in your system which in turn will allow balance to be restored.
Join a qigong or yoga class. This gentle yet but powerful exercise can help you go inward and restore your vitality
Get outside. Spending time in Nature promotes relaxation and it has been scientifically proven to provide emotional or mental relief.
Eat the season. Eating in alignment with the season strengthens your energy and immune system. According to TCM, winter foods like dark leafy greens, figs, blueberries, and root vegetables are especially beneficial.
Start a new creative hobby. Engaging in creative activities can help the brain shift into a more relaxed and intuitive (alpha) state, providing a safe outlet for reflection and release. Meditation is also a great tool and there are many different ones to suit all different tastes! DM for more info.
Balanced “me time”. Balance solitude with connection. Make time for journaling, meditation, and reflection, but also share a coffee with a friend, connection to others is key to our well-being.
Treat yourself to a Reiki session. Reiki is a non invasive holistic therapy that can help you relax, restore and rebalance all of our systems, promoting healing.
Curious about Reiki? Book your appointment now! Follow @reikiandrituals_ for more positive insight.
If you suffer from depression or have any mental health conditions please see your GP.