The clocks have gone back, and the dark nights arrive so early before most of us have left work. But while some people love this time of year and revel in the opportunity to cosy up on the sofa, some find that the darker evenings and miserable weather have a detrimental effect on their wellbeing. Here are our top tips to stay on top of things as the cold nights draw in…
Take care of what you eat
Give yourself some self-care by taking time to cook nourishing food and balance your diet. This can be hard if you find, like so many of us, yourself craving fast food, treats and sweets, but your diet can have such a powerful impact on your mental health and wellbeing.
Give yourself a nutrition boost by making healthy stews and soups to your diet. They are packed full of good stuff. We are massive fans of Dr Rupy’s 3-2-1 cookbook as well. Simple, nutritious, one pot cooking. Give it a try!
Face down the cold and get outside
Don’t be put off by the weather. One of the biggest challenges people face at this time of the year, is not being able to get out and exercise as much due to the dark nights, cold weather and lack of motivation. Try to combat this and get outside as much as possible. Embracing the outdoors and staying active is important no matter what time of the year it is.
Replenish your vitamin D
- Vitamin D plays a vital role in keeping our bones and skin healthy, but it can also have a big impact on our mood. Too little vitamin D can make us feel both unwell and unhappy. You can boost your vitamin D and your mood by taking supplements or by ensuring you have a balanced diet with vitamin rich foods, including:
- oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel
- red meat
- liver
- egg yolks
- fortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals
Get cosy and Comfy
One of the best things about this time of year is the excuse to get wrapped up warm and spend time being cosy and comfy. It may sound simple but feeling comfortable and cosy can have a really positive impact on your wellbeing. So, get stocked up on fluffy socks, thick blankets, and baggy jumpers.
Be kind to yourself
We have touched on this so many times already, but no more so than now is self-care key. Don’t be afraid to give yourself permission to slow down and tend to your emotional and physical wellbeing. There are simple steps that you can take to implement greater self-care into your daily routine:
- Breathe easy
- Make your lunchbreak count
- Take supplemental oxygen
- Listen to your body
