As we move deeper into winter and daylight hours get shorter, how are you feeling?

Are you having difficulty getting up?

Have a lack of energy?

Craving carbohydrates or comfort foods?

Feeling sleepy in the day or losing interest in work or other activities?

If so, you’re not alone!

Around 20% of the population suffers from the “Winter Blues” to different extents with increased moodiness and low feelings.

However, there are some quick and easy things you can do yourself to banish those Winter Blues, caused by lack of daylight, forever.

The Magic of Metaphor

We often speak in metaphor.

When we’re ill we can feel like we’ve “been run over by a bus” or look like we’ve been “dragged through a hedge backwards” – neither very appealing!

However, we can use metaphor to our advantage.

Who is it that brings a “ray of sunshine” into your life?

s it special friends, children or grandchildren?

Do they “light up your day/life”?

Do you have someone that just “glows” positivity.

Who can you spend time with that makes you feel wonderful?

Take a Break in Your Brain

During the winter we can sometimes long for that hot sunny beach or warmer climate.

The interesting thing is that our brains react the same way whether we are actually there or just imagining it.

The endorphins (or feel good chemicals) are still released.

Take some quiet time in a chair to close your eyes and imagine yourself on a wonderful holiday.

If you need more stimulus then get out some old holiday photos or videos, maybe flick on one of the Travel Channels on TV.

The more you can absorb yourself in the moment, the better you will feel.

Light Up Your Life

Make the most of what daylight we do have by getting outdoors sometime between 10am and 3pm every day.

Go out for a walk if you can.

Even if it’s cold and blustery it will blow those cobwebs away and the exercise will release those wonderful endorphins.

Notice how different you feel on those days where it’s cold but beautifully sunny.

Wrap up well and enjoy!

If things are really bad for you please make an appointment with your GP.

Extreme cases can be diagnosed as “Seasonal Affective Disorder” and may require medical intervention.