Now that Autumn is well and truly here with Winter in the not too distant future, I’d really like to discuss a common occurrence with many people during this time of year: the winter blues or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as it is sometimes referred to – yes, the acronym is quite ironic 😉.
McCrindle Research (2015) conducted a study of 1005 people in Australia on their sleeping, eating and social patterns in winter compared to other seasons. I’ve attached the Research Paper for your information. Not surprisingly they discovered that in winter it is common for people to over sleep (55%), over eat (47%) and become less social (42%).
So what can we do, knowing that this is a common occurrence? Firstly, if your symptoms of depression and lethargy are significant, please consult your GP. My suggestions are for when the effects are less severe.
Firstly, acknowledge that when it starts to get colder and is wet it is perfectly normal to want to stay inside where you are warm and dry. Sometimes there is nothing better on a cold and wet day than snuggled up in bed, all toasty warm, with a hot cuppa and a good book. Unfortunately, we can’t spend ALL winter there! What can we do? Here are some examples:
- Use this time to super charge your goals and internal work ready for when you want to be out and about! My new “RENEW You! Love your life program” is perfect for this. Go to my Coaching Program tab to check it out.
- Take up a new hobby that gets you moving – salsa dancing anyone 😉?
- If you don’t want to go out, consider inviting others over to visit you. They may be keen and then you get to socialise too! Board games are fantastic for this.
- Use this time to embark on some study of interest or a new fitness regime.
- The list is endless!
So, my question to you is what is holding you back? Here is an apt quote that I read today that I’d like to share with you:
“I’ve always found that anything worth achieving will always have obstacles in the way and you’ve got to have that drive and determination to overcome those obstacles on route to whatever it is you want to accomplish.” – Chuck Norris
Until next week,
Bianca xx
