12 simple steps to pale the winter blues

If you're prone to bouts of seasonal depression, feel lethargic or lack motivation... Try these simple steps and watch your spirits lift...

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“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” Albert Camus

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Taken with my iPhone at Asthall Manor Gardens 2014

Exercise at least 2-3 times per week. Research has proven that maintaining a regular exercise routine helps beat depression, anxiety and low self esteem, increases life expectancy and combats health conditions and disease.

​You are what you eat - food is power.  Snacking on raw veg, fruits, nuts, seeds and raisins will keep a sugar fix at bay.  Eat avocado's, leafy veg, salads, nuts, grains, Vitamin D, Iron supplements (Floradix is superb). Keep healthy snacks easily to hand so you’re not so tempted to eat sugary junk foods when you need a boost of energy. Prepare well for the week ahead by making a shopping list and get stocked up with the right ingredients, prepare your lunch food box for the following day before you go to bed. If you’ve prepared well, you’re more likely to eat well.

Breathe deeply - When we're tired or stressed our breathing pattern changes. It can become shallow, rapid or can be hardly there at all.
At these times remember to Take 4-6 deep conscious breaths, relax your shoulders, your neck and facial muscles, letting go of tensions and strains as you breathe out. Inhale for the count of 4, exhale for count of 6.
It can also help to count to 6 before responding from within a stressful situation. Breathe and count to 6, rather than react.

Take a lunch break. Get out of the office and away from the computer at lunchtime. We need all the sunlight and fresh air we can get during shorter winter days. A brisk walk for 20 minutes will  increase your heart and metabolic rate; increased oxygen will stimulate your brain cells, keep your energy up during the afternoon.

Drink plenty of water - 6-8 glasses a day. Our bodies are made of over 80% water therefore replenishing is essential for good health.

Dry skin brushing - purchased at chemist or health shop. Start the day by using the brush against dry skin, with long sweeping motions. This increases circulation of blood, oxygen and lymph around the body which in turn aides release of stagnant energy, toxins and waste from the body. It feels great and acts as a fabulous morning wake up for the entire system.

Reduce your intake of caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks - substitute with herbal teas, fruit smoothies and natural fruit juice.

Smile and relax - list 6 things you are grateful for about your life as it is right now. Treat yourself as you would your best friend, speak with compassion, kindness and encouragement.

Do something for someone else - a random act of kindness to a stranger can be uplifting for you both.

Keep a journal, take up a hobby, spend time with people who nourish and encourage you.

Get plenty of rest and try to maintain a healthy sleep pattern. 

Take up a regular yoga practice and whatever you choose to do - enjoy it and have fun!

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”  Edith Sitwell, Poet
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If you would like to find out more about holistic health care and how it can help you, please email: brita.benson@gmail.com

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