As I sit to write my first blog entry, the daylight is fading and my thoughts are drawn to the winter months of short days and long evenings that are fast approaching. Our mood levels can so easily be affected by the weather and I am aware that many people experience SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) symptoms to some degree. I know myself that when the sky is blue and the sun is shining I feel more relaxed, happier and more able to cope with the issues the day will bring. When the sky is grey and the light is dull then everything can seem more of a struggle.
So maybe we need to adopt some strategies to help ourselves during these darker months.
There have been many studies that show getting out in daylight even when the sun isn’t shining has a positive effect on our mood. Obviously this isn’t always possible but if we can make a point of a short walk outside as often as we can then we are taking positive steps to care for our emotional well-being. Using imagery can also help. We need to store up memories of days when the sky was blue with a few fluffy clouds and a pleasant warmth from the sun caressed our skin that we can tap into and recall at will. Then we have a resource to help combat the lack of natural light. Perhaps we have some recent memories of being in a wonderful place on a beautiful day; if not then we can create one during a time of relaxation. A day dream to our own special place is a useful tool.
We know that negative memories can affect us but perhaps we don’t acknowledge that positive memories can also affect our well-being to our benefit. I have found that the more I take care of my own well-being the better I feel and when I build up strategies I can use in certain circumstances then I feel I have choice and can take some control of my life.
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