Autumn & Winter make me feel down: any advice?

Arequipa

Hey!

Just a quick post. I find that as the evenings get longer and weather gets colder, my mood sorta drops a bit..
I love the outdoors; walking, hiking, cycling...just sitting out in my garden with the sun on my face..
I don't like being cooped up indoors all the time; for a while its cosy etc but by January and February its full on cabin fever!
Any advice on how to even enjoy the autumn and winter?!
Any of you relate to this...

Cheers...

A

folamh

Keep active as much as you can during the day. The endorphin release will carry on through the evening. Try not to spend too much time alone. Go out and talk to people. Avoid junk food and eat plenty of nutritious, vitamin-rich foods like vegetables, fruit, fish and good quality meat. Get involved in things you enjoy. Keep productive and maybe consider taking up a hobby in the evening.

Arequipa

Hey! Thanks for the reply!
yea, you are right: it seems easier to become isolated and spend time alone in Winter...
In summer, with the long bright evenings and lots of light; i am always more inclined to get up and get out!

sashafierce

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Arequipa

Hey Sasha!

Thanks for the reply!
That is so interesting that you don't like the summer...
I suppose the advantage of Canada is that you get proper snow and ice and so cn really ski, ice skate etc..
Here we often get dark, damp and dreary weather: quite depressing!
Saying that, some crisp, bright Winter days are beautiful!

I also have done early Spring/late winter trips down to the Canaries the last few years and have really enjoyed these breaks & the warm sunshine...

December2012

Have you looked into the alarm clocks that wake you up with a natural light?

I have a lumie one and it's great - it helpse wake up gently, naturally and slowly as if the sun is rising.

It helps me start the day.

There are also lights that you can use during the day that help.

sashafierce

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Arequipa

The alarm clock is a good idea; thanks..

Yea, a bit of winter sun is a great way of breaking the winter into 2...
A caretaker in my work made a comment last winter which stuck with me,,,
I was moaning about the winter, the dark, wet weather etc..he said..'life is short...you don't know how many Mondays/Tuesdays you have..'

Pawpad666

Have you read up on S.A.D?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_affective_disorder

I suffer with it and use a S.A.D lamp for one hour a day or more during the winter months. A 30 minute blast of it in the morning can make a huge difference for the day. The only downside is that they can be quite expensive....over €100.
Don't bother with cheaper ones because to be effective they have to be a minimum of 10,000 lux (a light measurement).

Arequipa

Hey! Yea, a mate of mine was diagnosed with SAD..
I don't think I suffer to that extent, but just get a gradual decrease in energy and don't feel as good as in the summertime...
What lamp brand did you get?
Do you find that it lifts your mood?

Pawpad666

I got the Litepod.

Noticed a definite improvement in mood and energy levels.

Rubberchikken

Stay active. Even if you got in a run or cycle while it's still light, it'll make you feel able to deal with the dark evenings/nights.

Winter is hard ok, but i find that just getting out no matter what the weathers like, is a hugh help.

Arequipa

Yea, i agree with ya..
I must get some decent all-weather gear in preparation; then i'll have no excuses!

cactusgal

I always look forward to leaves turning colours, Halloween, getting a few new bits for my autumn wardrobe, baking pumpkin bread, etc. I love autumn, though

At the end of the day, if you're in good health, life is still short, so try to see the good in every day and season if you can (easier said than done sometimes, but you know what I mean!)

Oh, and think about having a party with an autumn/winter theme. I want to have a wine and cheese party this year with a cosy fire, candles, and lots of red wine!

LegacyUser

I used to get very down during the winter months but i took up surfing and it gets me out and active every other weekend.

The rain makes no difference and the cold is not noticeable til the wetsuit comes off.

I used to have SAD... is hasn't occured since I started getting active at winter time

Arequipa

Yea, i see what you mean about embracing the seasons, the Autumn & Halloween...
I actually have a surfboard & wetsuit myself: surfing in the Winter would be fab... There is something about being near & in the sea, which really clears the cobwebs...

Thanks..