03/11/2025
Not only is it Monday, the clocks went back last week and the evenings are getting both shorter and darker.
We know this is a difficult time of year for a lot of people so please be kind to yourself if you're struggling.
In the meantime, we've put together 5 tips to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) this winter.
1. Prioritise light exposure – One of the primary culprits behind SAD is believed to be the lack of exposure to natural sunlight, which plays a crucial role in the production of serotonin. Therefore, try and tackle this by getting outside as often as possible. For example, walk to the local shop instead of driving, or make an effort to visit your local park once a week.
2. Consider light therapy – Light therapy involves sitting next to a special lamp (also known as a light box) for half an hour every morning. These lamps mimic natural sunlight and therefore can regulate your body’s internal clock and improve your mood. Make sure you do your research beforehand to ensure that this option is safe for you.
3. Stay active – It’s no secret that exercise is good for your mental health and getting active will go some way in reducing your symptoms of SAD. We’re not expecting you to run a marathon, but a light jog or brisk walk every day will definitely improve your state of mind.
4. Have things to look forward to – A lot of people take time off over the festive period and are then faced with having to go back to work at the beginning of January with nothing to look forward to. Combat this by booking activities and events in January and February. If you’re feeling flush, you could book a winter break abroad or a weekend trip to London. If Christmas will clear you out, perhaps a day trip to see a friend or family member, or an outing to a local museum. Whatever it is, having things to look forward to does wonders for your mental health.
5. Mindful practices – Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises to manage stress and enhance your overall mental wellbeing during the winter months. Taking just five minutes out of your day to reset can really help.