Grey skies, cold weather, a lack of vitamin D, reduced activity and overeating are all signs that winter has arrived! A large percentage of Brits suffer with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) actually 1 in 3 adults are affected [1].

29% suffer with a variety of mild symptoms [1] in the winter that can include over sleeping, cravings for carbohydrates, weight gain and tiredness or low energy [2].

The increase in SAD percentages calls for greater awareness and that is where this blog comes in! It is important to understand that it is not you, personally that doesn’t like the cold, it is a number of factors that make you dislike the cold and it all boils down to a couple of critical happiness hormones. The dark days and lack of vitamin D messes those hormones up!

10 TIPS TO STAY HAPPY THIS WINTER

1. GET YOUR HIPPY ON WITH HOLISTIC THERAPIES

We will say this time and again – a natural approach is not just for hippies! Aromatherapy is an upcoming treatment that is gaining more and more respect from the medical and health industry. It has been proven to reduce depression and anxiety, to be useful as a cancer treatment and to treat many illnesses and skin conditions [4].

So let’s use it to lift your mood and your soul – Here are some winter warmer remedies for you.

BLEND #1

• 1 drop orange
• 2 drops grapefruit

BLEND #2

• 3 drops grapefruit
• 2 drops cypress

BLEND #3

• 1 drop rosemary
• 1 drop clove

INSTRUCTIONS

BATH OIL
Multiply your blend by 3 to obtain a total of 15 drops of your chosen blend. Continue by using the 15 drop blend in the Bath Oil recipe.

MASSAGE OIL
Multiply your blend by 2 to obtain a total of 10 drops of your chosen blend. Continue by using the 10 drop blend in the Massage Oil recipe.

2. MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS

Again, absolutely not just for hippies!  Science backs up the need for humans to take part in meditation. It calms, relaxes, clears the mind and promotes well-being. It allows you to understand gratitude and encourages you to take part in self-care. Most importantly it opens up your mind and allows you to be much more patient in your everyday activities. The Buddha Box provides a unique 5 Sense Meditation in every box. The meditation is tailored to the products that are found in the box and guides you through – breath by breath.

3. EXERCISE IS MAGIC

Honestly, the chemicals released by this wondrous activity is truly magical! Yes, it is difficult to get the motivation during the winter. But suck it up and go for it! The exercise does not have to be strenuous. The most important point here is MOVEMENT.

If we are overeating due to feeling low and not moving then we are blending up a dangerous recipe. Exercise can be incredibly fun and the hormones released will keep you on a high for the rest of the day.
TRY light activities such as Yoga to connect with the mind and soul, it will also help to refocus and clear the mind. Or go for a walk! Walking will: 1. Get more vitamin D into your system, 2. Get your blood moving and 3. Gives the dog exercise too!

4. WINTER FASHION
   
   
   
   

Learn to layer! There is nothing that puts you off more than being out and cold, desperate to rush home! The best style in the winter is warmth.
For your outdoor activities (walking or exercising) be sure to layer up to keep warm.

• Warm undies! Silk underwear has a lot of benefits! Thin and warm.
• Do not overdo the socks. You need to wear thinner socks if you are wearing boots (if to thin, add a second pair). If you reduce circulation in your feet from extra thick socks and tight boots, your feet will be colder. Cold feet = cold everything!
• Layer up starting with thin layers. The final layer should be your winter jumper, your scarf and then your coat.

5. SORT OUT YOUR HOME

Spending a lot more time at home means a lot more time for a good sort out! A cleared home can do wonders for your mind and you will literally feel relief lifting from your shoulders. Your house must also be warm, so you can spend some time fixing up any drafty areas!
Mould is rife during this damp, cold season. It would be a good idea to invest in some dehumidifiers (find throw away ones fairly cheap in supermarkets!). This will save you from having to dry and wipe down window seals every day. Be sure to clean up any mould beforehand to reduce any chance of health problems such as nasal stuffiness and coughing or wheezing.

6. MAKE A WARM WINTERY RETREAT

If your house is welcoming, bright and warm, it makes for a much cosier, happier environment to be in! Remember, light enhances the mood and dark dampens it, so it is important to make your home as bright as possible! Keep energy bills low and reduce your carbon footprint by only using lights in the room you are in.

Now that all the Christmas decorations are down, brighten your rooms by adding some flowers.

7. SOCIALISE AND CREATE MOMENTS OF LAUGHTER

Socialising and laughter is the best medicine to any situation! Many of us clear our social schedules and attempt to hibernate throughout the cold months. It is time to CHANGE. Make a plan this year and stick to it before the negative energy takes a hold of you! Here is an idea – have a weekly or 2 weekly get together with friends, make it cheap by inviting them to yours or go to theirs and plan an evening of laughter! Maybe a movie and munch night or a night of wellness and pampering or even a hot chocolate and a chat.

8. FOOD IS IMPORTANT

During the winter months we are lacking in vitamin D. We wake in the dark, work indoors when its light and leave for home when it is dark! So, if you do not manage to get a lunch time walk to soak up some vitamin D, you will have to source it in your diet instead!

• Vegans and veggies – you will find vitamin in D in soy milk and soy products, orange juice, cereals and foods fortified in vitamin D and plenty of it in mushrooms.
• pescatarian/meat eater - You will find it in fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel and salmon.

You can enjoy the winter more by experimenting in the kitchen and using recipes packed with immune boosting vitamins and minerals. Take advantage of the seasonal veg and maybe try a root veg and lentil broth?

9. PLAN A TRIP

There is nothing better than planning a trip. Maybe the planning and hype before the actual departure is more exhilarating than the trip itself! The trip can cost as little or as much as you can afford.

Grab some friends or your partner and get ready to make some fun memories. Here are some ideas:

• Camping cabins – heated cabins around the country can be found at a pretty cheap price and makes for a perfect winter retreat! You can enjoy making your dinner on you rugged cooking stove.
• Try lastminute.com for a great deal on a flight and hotel.

Something to look forward to help you through the cold months!

We hope you have enjoyed this blog!

Please share to help others during the cold season!

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REFERENCES

1. Molloy, A. (2014). Seasonal Affective Disorder: 1 in 3 people suffer from SAD. [online] The Independent. Available at: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/seasonal-affective-disorder-1-in-3-people-suffer-from-sad-9814164.html [Accessed 29 Dec. 2017].
2. Mayoclinic.org. (2017). Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651 [Accessed 29 Dec. 2017].
3. NHS (2015). Treatment. [online] nhs.uk. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/ [Accessed 29 Dec. 2017].
4. N. Perry, E. Perry. Aromatherapy in the management of psychiatric disorders clinical and neuropharmacological perspectives, CNS Drugs, 20 (2006), pp. 257-280