It’s the time of year when we want to hunker down, hibernate, snuggle up and get cosy. Nowhere in particular to be, nothing in particular to do.
Even if you do have to work, or have a big party to organise, I imagine many of you aren’t feeling at your most energetic during these dark days.
This could well be due to the lack of light. Such a short few hours in which to enjoy the daytime before the cloak of darkness falls yet again, often only a few hours after we’ve got dressed!
Short days, long nights. A combination that could leave us feeling down, demotivated and desperate for some light. So how can we minimise these negative emotions while we wait for spring to announce her arrival and cheer us all up?
Here are some ideas for you to consider, to keep you feeling as perky as possible – both mentally and physically. First and foremost, let’s embrace what it is! There’s no point in wishing it were different. There is, after all, a reassuring, comforting aspect to darkness. It limits our vision, effectively enhancing our other wonderful senses, such as smell, touch and hearing. Feel soft blankets wrapped around you, listen to the crackle of the logs on the fire, smell the delicious winter vegetable soup or warm mince pies. So much joy to be had!
Darkness limits the distance we are likely to travel, encouraging us to stay home and go inward. More chance to rest, be peaceful, and enjoy the company of those around us: our family, our pets, our friends. We don’t need to plan a trip out; we can be together at home, by the fireside. Note: Later in this article I do encourage you to venture out at least once a day, despite the allure of staying in. However, when you are indoors – which is probably most of the time in midwinter – let’s be sure to appreciate its offerings!
A lack of sunlight can be replaced with other forms of light inside the home. A roaring fire is one of them. The warmth creates a glow within ourselves, as well as in our living rooms. This can be accompanied by candles on the hearth, producing flickering flames and an evocative scent. Browse our winter-themed candle offerings and choose the one that connects with you the most. It’s amazing what a wonderful aroma and a merry light source can do to lift a dark room – and a sad mood!
There are also the Christmas fairy lights – around the fireside, on the Christmas tree, around doorframes – either inside or out. I prefer a subtle off-white light, to accompany the Christmas theme of peace. Others go for colour and sparkle, with moving, delicately flashing lights. Whatever your choice, it’s wonderful to behold these creations displayed in our own homes, and in our neighbours’ windows and gardens. There’s a particular street in my neighbourhood that’s a rare sight at this time of year… almost worthy of a whole evening out! Perhaps a little too bright for me to wish I lived there, but a delight to witness, nevertheless!
A determination to make the most of the available natural light can go a long way to keeping your mood light too. If you feel inclined to rise with the sun, you might be surprised to find that at this time of year, it’s not as early as you might think. I don’t need an alarm clock as I’m well awake by seven. I feel so blessed to be able to open my curtains and see the trees and rooftops gradually taking shape as dawn arrives. If I can get up and out before nine, having already made my bed and breakfasted, so much the better! A short walk or even a stroll around the garden is all you need to have the feeling of being on top of the day. And another trip out, perhaps around midday or early afternoon when it’s as light as it’s going to get, is another boost to my mood. Venturing outdoors doesn’t have to be a big thing – you’re more likely to do it if it’s easier to accomplish. So keep it small and achievable if energy levels or time constraints affect you. But if you’d rather go big and if you have the time and motivation – the bigger, the better! Exercise and movement will help to lift your mood and combat stress, too.
Experts say that there isn’t enough winter sunlight here in the UK to get the vitamin D we all need, so make sure you top up with supplements during these months to keep your bones and muscles strong. But it’s also wise to get as many of these nutrients as possible through your diet. Vitamin C is also particularly important at this time of year, as it can help lessen the effect of cold and flu viruses on our respiratory system. And vitamin B, especially B12, can help to combat stress and anxiety, which often increases over winter because of a lack of light. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is the term given to this condition. Make sure you keep your spirits up and your body strong, by eating a varied, healthy diet, containing a blend of proteins, carbs, fruit, vegetables, and plenty of fluids.
I wish you a time of peace, love, luck… and light – in all its forms!
Here’s some of my Bath House favourites for the home this season…
