We’re now well into that time of year when for many of us, we not only wake up in the dark, but we leave for work or school in the dark, come home in the dark and struggle to find much time at all in which to see any daylight.
This year in particular, there seems to be a never-ending darkness as rain and storms batter the country and the lack of sunlight makes the days even shorter.
Just like my own mother used to check in on me during these dark days because she knew how much I struggled mentally, I find myself calling my own daughter just to check that she’s okay. A bona fide sun-seeker now living ‘Up North’, I know that she will be finding these short, dark days tough and dreaming of endless sunshine of the summer months.
I have long jokingly called 22nd December my favourite day of the year. This is the day when the hours of daylight become longer and, although we can’t see much change, I know that we have reached the ‘other side’ of the winter months.
I say jokingly, but in reality, coping with the long dark days can seem never-ending. Scientists have established that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and seasonal depression are very real and for some people it’s difficult to see an end to the darkness that begins to sit inside our heads.
coping with the long dark days can seem never-ending
Sadly, this isn’t anything new. Mid-Winter festivals were established over many centuries in order to give people something to look forward to during the longest of the dark days and Yule specifically celebrates the ‘rebirth of the sun’.
This is undoubtedly why our Western mid-Winter Christian festival of Christmas is placed at the same time as the old Pagan Yule festival. Light, warmth, socialising & dancing are all designed to help us through the darkest of days.
What Can Help When Dark Days Turn Into Dark Thoughts?
Can’t Beat ‘Em? Join ‘Em: Embrace the Darkness
Even when it’s dark and even on days without sunshine, there’s a benefit to being outside in fresh air. Walk the dog, take the kids to school on foot, run to the gym, just take some time outside – whatever the reason, breathing in the fresh air, feeling the cold and noticing the season benefits us. There’s something about being mindful, whether you notice the lack of leaves on trees, the harsh wind on your face or dodge the puddles, immersing yourself in the darkness feels more connected with it and helps to create a sense of living with it, rather than it just happening to us.
Talk it Through
The chances are, someone else is feeling the same
It is the season for catching up with friends and family. Getting together, laughing and sharing how you feel can really help. The chances are, someone else is feeling the same and this helps us feel connected and validated. If you can’t find time to get-together, try a video call or good old-fashioned text message – communicating is connecting.
Counting the Days & Making Plans
Far from wishing the time away, counting the days until things return to brightness gives us a sense of hope. Just 13 days until the days get longer, just one month until the new year, just six weeks until the first snowdrops start to open…
Chocolate aside, there’s a reason why Advent Calendars are so popular!
People have countdown apps for all sorts of reasons but one of the most popular is for when their holiday starts. Counting down gives us something to look forward to and aim for. In the darkest of days, when it feels like there’s little hope, a countdown can be a great motivator.
This also brings to mind my very own logo and the tattoo that I have on my arm, ready to remind me that brighter days are on their way and the sun will always rise. We may have to wait a little while, but the sun is there, waiting to show herself, if we just give her some time.
Bring the Outside In
There’s not much colour around at this time of year, but if you look hard, there are plenty of green plants and berries around. Think Holly, Ivy, Pine and of course, the famous Christmas Tree. Using the same greenery as we might use to make a wreath, we can make a beautiful winter display. Failing that, just popping to the florist or local supermarket to buy a colourful bouquet can bring joy to our inside environment.
Eating for a Lighter Mind
There’s no Vitamin D around at the moment; even on sunny days, we can’t access any goodness from the sun, but there is a lot we can do to improve our moods, even on the dark days. For the ultimate comfort, snuggling on the sofa with a hot chocolate is unbeatable. Try taking a hot drink on a Winter walk for even more benefit and ‘feel-good factor’.
Comfort aside, feeling fresh and vibrant in the morning can lead to much better mental health outcomes. So avoiding alcohol, sugary foods and big, heavy meals can help you start the day better, while including foods rich in vitamins & minerals like fruit & vegetables (especially green vegetables, root vegetables and mineral-rich fruit like dates) and protein-rich meat, fish & seafood and legumes/grains will leave you feeling more awake and lighter in mind.
Alcohol & sugar leave you feeling low, anxious & sluggish
If supplements are your thing, I can’t recommend Magnesium enough. It’s like a wonder cure-all. I’ve personally used Magnesium for a number of years to improve sleep, aches & pains, peri-menopause symptoms such as brain fog and palpitations and some people recommend it’s use with vitamin B12 to improve mood and sleep.
Bottom line: alcohol & sugar make you feel low, anxious & sluggish, while fruit, veg & protein helps to feel lighter and brighter.
So can we feel better when the days don’t seem to show any light?
Yes, we can. It’s not easy. It won’t happen all the time, but we can introduce glimmers of light when we connect with others, eat & drink well, embrace the outdoors and look to the future. 