Winter is here - happy solstice, or SAD?
Today is the winter solstice - the shortest day - and it's cold and overcast in Warrane/Sydney. Winter is really here. The changing seasons affect us. We are animals. Our bodies tell us to protect ourselves from the cold. To hunker down. To eat more. To sleep more.
Lots of people experience severe seasonal mood symptoms. This has a name, seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The acronym says it all. When SAD comes on people want to do less and hide. Everything feels harder. Some people feel hopeless. As well, if you've had SAD before then knowing winter is coming can be enough to bring on these feelings.
With less sunlight, less brightness, there's less colour for us to take in and enjoy. With lower temperatures there's less incentive to get outdoors and do things. For people working from home, or with home-based care responsibilities, it's a particular challenge. We have less get-up-and-go energy. Life can seem smaller.
AWARENESS & SELF-CARE
Our bodies responding to our changing environment is real. So let's not ignore this. To quote an ancient Greek, know yourself. As adults we can predict how we will feel in advance. Of course kids will need help from parents/carers. Being aware is the first step to making helpful changes.
When winter comes on I ask myself two questions about my self-care routine:
Which parts of my routine should I keep the same because they're still beneficial?
Which bits do I need to change because they're not beneficial in winter?
Things I keep the same include music in the morning before work, maybe even a little louder. I continue with my exercise and community sports - because without these I know I quickly feel less happy. My diary writing stays the same.
Things I change include more effort cooking hot food. This comforts me, plus I can enjoy the warmth of the kitchen. I also eat bigger serves. I make an effort to go out in the middle of each dry day and expose some skin to the sun if it's warm enough out of the wind. I increase my communication with friends, even if I go out less. I know they struggle in winter too. I accept that sleeping more in my snug bed is a lovely thing, so I go to bed about an hour earlier.
I encourage you to notice how winter makes you feel, then to audit and change your self-care routine.
For lots of people this is enough. And to know that, by definition, winter will turn to spring.
Otherwise, let's talk.