I am a real summer girl, I enjoy sunny days, blue skies and the great outdoors, with all it has to offer – evenings outside, barbeques, open air festivals, music, dancing, and creative projects. In the winter, the outdoors and I are not the best of friends, I don’t like the early dark nights, and I really do not get on with the cold weather either, even as a teen, I always felt the cold, and the whole dark evenings outside just made everywhere look dull and gloomy, locked up buildings and streets with limited lighting.
I don’t mind the autumn crossover so much because it may not be as cold, however add in the constant rain with limited sunshine, well that just made me think limitations of what I would want or rather be doing.
Over the years we adjust to the cold weather and dark nights, and adjusting our mindset too towards the winter can make it a little easier. I always say I have my winter projects and my summer projects, so as winter approaches, I prepare with plans of action. In the summer I would be doing all summer outdoor artwork and make the garden look pretty. In the winter, I start any decorating inside, decluttering, cleaning out cupboards and sorting out those drawers, plan on what sewing or artwork projects that I can do. I can make those long, time-consuming, warming dinners that require you to be in, and you can put them on as you get on with those other tasks you are doing. I like sewing and drawing, so for me that means having the television on, watching some movies or listening to some music as I create something – that’s a double bonus.
Finding some things you enjoy doing makes such a difference, you can keep cosy and do not have to endure the outside, so whether you want to bake that wholesome chocolate cake or give your place a makeover, let’s do it with some positive intention. Make sure you include a good exercise regime in those winter months; it is easy to be tempted to stay in and watch TV but keeping active is a must. So make sure you are still doing some sort of exercise at home if you are not at a gym, or get out to a dance or fitness class somewhere, where the venue is still comfortably warm, this can be done with friends so you can motivate each other to get there, when one may not really be feeling it. Even that little catch up chat with your friend can tempt you to go.
As daylight hours decrease, our exposure to natural light reduces which can influence our body clock, sleep patterns, energy levels and mood. We may struggle to get out of bed in the morning, crave comforting foods or find ourselves lacking motivation. The colder weather can change our routines, we may socialise less frequently as we spend more time indoors and miss out spontaneous activities that make summer feel so enjoyable.
For those that live alone, have lost loved ones or are going through difficult times, the darker evenings can sometimes magnify feelings of loneliness and sadness. The festive season, with emphasis on togetherness and celebration, can make those feelings particularly noticeable. Going round with an offering of a piece of that cake and a chat, can make all the difference.
It is important to remember that we do not have to feel excited about every season, but we can appreciate the beauty of winter, make the best of it without pretending we love every minute of it. One of the simplest ways to support our mood during the darker months is to make the most of the daylight available. Even when the sky is grey, natural daylight can be beneficial. Try to get out during light hours, do your walk around the shops, even that short walk with a breath of fresh air can clear your head, break up the day and give you a welcome change of scenery. At home, open the curtains as soon as you get up, sit near a window when working and make your workspace feels bright and inviting. If you experience persistent low mood, a daylight lamp may be worth considering. Choose a reputable product designed for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and seek advice from a healthcare professional before using one, particularly if you have an eye condition or take medication that increases your sensitivity.
Bring the sunshine indoors with colour, wear bright colours, add flowers to your rooms, introduce cheerful cushions and throws to your living room or bedroom. A splash of yellow, coral, pink or vibrant green can make a room feel more uplifting when the landscape outside looks dull. Use sparkly things too, ornaments or useful items that glisten like the sea, reminding us of the summer.
Lighting makes all the difference; you could refresh your home with softer lighting, go to places when the roads, buildings, restaurants are all lit up, it really makes such a difference. Those Christmas markets, fairs, stores that are enticing with all those illuminations draw you there making it a warm and cosy atmosphere. Go to these places with friends and family, make it a fun experience to remember.
Plan a summer trip or a weekend away, join a class and learn something new. Even a Saturday brunch or afternoon tea at your favourite place or alternate with a friend can give an ordinary week a little sparkle. Stay connected even when you feel like hibernating; it can be easy to fall in the pattern of quietly staying in, but if we continually withdraw from others, we may find our world becomes smaller and our mood sinks further. Make an effort to maintain the friendships and relationships that bring warmth into our life. Invite friends or family over for some fun, a bake off, a game, a little karaoke or movie watch.
Pay attention to your Vitamin D intake too – in the UK, sunlight is often insufficient for our skin to produce enough vitamin D during the autumn and winter. Government guidance recommends that adults consider taking a daily 10 microgram vitamin D supplement during these months. Check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Make it bright!
Love and Sparkles
Samsara x
Facebook: Samsara Kyriakou