Preventing that seasonal funk
Despite the vibrant leaf peeping, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin spice lattes, this time of year can have unintended side effects. Indeed, fall and winter can bring unexpected changes to both body and mind.
As cold, frosty months approach, ever notice a pattern of weight gain, oversleeping, carb-craving, and low energy? These symptoms can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Circadian rhythms — As the sun rises later and sets earlier each day, it wrecks havoc on the body’s biological clock.
- Serotonin — The levels of this mood-altering brain chemical can drop due to reduced sunlight exposure.
- Melatonin — Light deprivation also disrupts this natural hormone’s balance in the body, impacting mood and sleep patterns. (source)
Sounds depressing just thinking about it, but it might be diminished with a few intentional strategies.
- Start the day with a light therapy box (10,000 lux) for half an hour (after consulting with a doctor, of course). (source)
- Get outside as often as possible, stealing five minutes here and there for a quick walk around the block or a deep breath of nature.
- Take a daily, deliberate pause through meditation, affirmations, or a gratitude list.
- Find a creative spark from drawing, writing, sewing or playing to refresh the spirit (e.g., Inktober is happening now).
- Indulge in a little pampering, from pedicures and bubble baths to deep tissue massages and aromatherapy.
- Seek opportunities for connection with friends, family, or furry companions.
Not too many generations ago, preparing for a cold spell meant storing up food stocks and wood piles. These days, the challenges tend to be different but still require thoughtful planning to shine a little light on the pending darkness.
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Old man winter may seem a ways off, but getting ahead of the curve now can freeze those feelings of sadness, fatigue, or restlessness in their tracks in order to keep thriving until spring returns.
“Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” ~ Leonard Cohen
