Beating the Winter Blues
It's that time of year again. The days are becoming shorter, the skies are turning greyer and the wind is howling louder. I sit here typing in my kitchen at 4pm, gazing out at the quaking trees being stripped bare of their leaves behind the hazy fog of a rain stained window. The absence of earthly light leaves a slight omission of spiritual sparkle within me, it makes it hard to feel happy when nature itself is oh so blue. Winter is perhaps my favourite season of the year; I live for the twinkle of fairy lights and the smell of crackling open fires. However, as well as its joys, this beautiful festive season also brings with it its imperfections; the winter blues. We have heard and spoken of it for generations, 'it's just a case of the ole winter blues'. These melancholic moments however have a name, a cause and a very valid merit of recognition. Seasonal Affective Disorder, otherwise known as SAD (very punny heheh) is said to affect one in fifteen people between September and April, especially during the months of December, January and February, according to Mental Health Ireland. SAD is not only a disabling burden to bare, its presence may also prolong to manifest into an intense depression and/or illness. Symptoms of such seasonal sadness include lethargy, sleep problems (too much or too little), an attitude of apathy, mood swings, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness and of course, a sorrowful heart.
I heard recently on a podcast that some scientists believe that depression manifested in pre historical times as a method of security and survival, particularly during winter. A sorrowful heart was cast upon the cave-people, and so, with a nonchalant attitude and lack of hope, our predecessors could not find purpose or reason to leave their humble caves (just like depression can make it so difficult for people to leave their beds). Full of despair, anguish and heartache, they stayed tucked up in their rocky caverns, but alas, they were safe. Many believe an innate universal wisdom created 'depression' to protect such people from the freezing winter chills, hungry cannibals and deadly snowstorms that lay outside the security of their caves. Isn't it amazing to think that perhaps their was once symbolism in our sorrow! Of course as humans, we have greatly evolved since those times, however, our 'monkey-minds' can not recognise that we are no longer in danger of being eaten by a wolf if we live our purpose driven, meaningful lives. And so, poor depression, with all its good intentions, has sadly metamorphosed from a saviour into a sabotage, wrecking the minds and lives of undeserving people.
In the depth of this winter however, there lies an invincible secret summer; you have the power to actively take charge of your wellbeing, to reach out and ask for help, to ensure that you are safeguarding your soul, protecting your inner peace and breeding your own bliss.
If winter comes, can spring be far behind?
Self Care
Caring for yourself isn't a luxury, it is a necessity for survival. A common myth surrounding self care is that in order to be caring towards ourselves we must have a bubble bath full of candles and roses while listening to Bon Iver. While that sounds so beautiful, self care can actually be very simple yet extremely worthwhile and effective. Caring for yourself can be as easy as brushing your hair, reading your favourite book with a cup of tea or playing with your puppy. Self care aids as a vital mineral, nourishing to create a happy soul and feeding to foster a healthy mind. With every act of self care your authentic self gets stronger, and the fearful, critical mind gets weaker. 'Every act of self care is a powerful declaration: I am on my side. I am on my side, each day I am more and more on my own side.'
Caring for yourself isn't a luxury, it is a necessity for survival. A common myth surrounding self care is that in order to be caring towards ourselves we must have a bubble bath full of candles and roses while listening to Bon Iver. While that sounds so beautiful, self care can actually be very simple yet extremely worthwhile and effective. Caring for yourself can be as easy as brushing your hair, reading your favourite book with a cup of tea or playing with your puppy. Self care aids as a vital mineral, nourishing to create a happy soul and feeding to foster a healthy mind. With every act of self care your authentic self gets stronger, and the fearful, critical mind gets weaker. 'Every act of self care is a powerful declaration: I am on my side. I am on my side, each day I am more and more on my own side.'
Make Your Bed
When someone is down, one's very basic needs can be neglected and the thought of catering to them can seem really hard. In William H. McRaven's book, 'Make Your Bed' (thank you so much to my bestie Ciara for gifting me this), he talks about the importance of completing small yet significant tasks that will have a continuous unraveling effect on your daily mindset and behaviour, 'It was my first task of the day, and doing it right was important. It demonstrated my discipline. It showed my attention to detail, and at the end of the day it would be a reminder that I had done something well, something to be proud of, no matter how small the task.' Even completing the most minute of tasks may just give you that feeling of purpose and sense of 'at least I did something today'; which, even in the darkest of winter nights, can illuminate a glow of self-respect and wholeness within your heart.
Bandage It Up...(for now)
'But how could you be sad, its the most wonderful time of the year!', I hear you say, sadly, the thought of pine trees and falling snowflakes induces loneliness, anxiety, sadness and pain for many many people around the world. For different reasons, people struggle with the festive season; perhaps due to the absence of loved ones, the terror of illness or the agony of heartache; compounded by moody moonless twilights and frosty foggy mornings. It is often in a time when one 'should' feel so happy and peaceful that our greatest demons come sneaking up for haunting. I have even realised that from September on, I start planning my gift wrapping theme, researching DIY festive crafts and organising my card posting list all while blaring merry carols, simply to drown out the feelings that come to fester my fears during the holidays. I know so many experts say that distraction is like putting a bandaid on a bullet wound; it may cover the problem but nothing ever heals. Of course, at some stage, we all must face our fears and dissect our darkness..but can't we wait until there's a little more light shining on and within our soul? I think that in order to survive this season, we must be soft to our delicate hearts and perhaps allow ourselves to fully engorge in whatever may help us. Sometimes, no matter how happy we 'should' naturally feel, we need a little helping hand; whether that be through wrapping yourself in tinsel and baking puddings all day long, joining a club, starting a new craft, volunteering or drinking hot chocolate and mulled wine with friends, families and strangers galore.
'But how could you be sad, its the most wonderful time of the year!', I hear you say, sadly, the thought of pine trees and falling snowflakes induces loneliness, anxiety, sadness and pain for many many people around the world. For different reasons, people struggle with the festive season; perhaps due to the absence of loved ones, the terror of illness or the agony of heartache; compounded by moody moonless twilights and frosty foggy mornings. It is often in a time when one 'should' feel so happy and peaceful that our greatest demons come sneaking up for haunting. I have even realised that from September on, I start planning my gift wrapping theme, researching DIY festive crafts and organising my card posting list all while blaring merry carols, simply to drown out the feelings that come to fester my fears during the holidays. I know so many experts say that distraction is like putting a bandaid on a bullet wound; it may cover the problem but nothing ever heals. Of course, at some stage, we all must face our fears and dissect our darkness..but can't we wait until there's a little more light shining on and within our soul? I think that in order to survive this season, we must be soft to our delicate hearts and perhaps allow ourselves to fully engorge in whatever may help us. Sometimes, no matter how happy we 'should' naturally feel, we need a little helping hand; whether that be through wrapping yourself in tinsel and baking puddings all day long, joining a club, starting a new craft, volunteering or drinking hot chocolate and mulled wine with friends, families and strangers galore.
Go Natural
Nature boosts happiness levels, aids creativity, reduces stress, eases anxiety, boosts concentration and performs a million more miracles. One can go days during the cold season without golden rays of the sun falling upon their skin and warming up their hearts. In many Nordic countries, inhabitants are treated with special UV ray lights during the sunless months to boost both physical and spiritual immunity against bodily flues and mental blues. Many believe that nature is intrinsically connected with the rhythm of our bodies, spirits and minds. A breath of fresh dewy morning air, a splash of cold ocean water, a prickle of a sharp rose thorn and a gaze at the evening's sunset remind us what it is like to be rawly and truly alive. Every little problem seems so small and insignificant when we look up at the sparkling night sky. Through organic natural self care we can feel both humble and content while also treating each of our senses to the earth's delights.
Nature boosts happiness levels, aids creativity, reduces stress, eases anxiety, boosts concentration and performs a million more miracles. One can go days during the cold season without golden rays of the sun falling upon their skin and warming up their hearts. In many Nordic countries, inhabitants are treated with special UV ray lights during the sunless months to boost both physical and spiritual immunity against bodily flues and mental blues. Many believe that nature is intrinsically connected with the rhythm of our bodies, spirits and minds. A breath of fresh dewy morning air, a splash of cold ocean water, a prickle of a sharp rose thorn and a gaze at the evening's sunset remind us what it is like to be rawly and truly alive. Every little problem seems so small and insignificant when we look up at the sparkling night sky. Through organic natural self care we can feel both humble and content while also treating each of our senses to the earth's delights.
Professional Help
Sometimes, all of the sunshine can not cure a broken heart, all of the hugs in the world can not mend a solemn soul and all of the candy canes can not calm a whirling mind. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try and no matter what we do, we need more thorough structured support and advanced professional aid. A lady once told me of a man she treated who, with every single year, once the leaves began to fall from the trees, would reengage with weekly therapy and return to his antidepressant dosage under medical recommendation. He was a capable, independent, well functioning man yet just like wrapping up in winter woolies he knew that in order to survive the blue season, he had to take precautions with his mental matters. Reach out for help, talk to someone, explain how you are feelings; release the burden you are so bravely carrying alone and allow someone who cares for you to hold it with you. It may not instantly go away but I promise that it may just feel a little lighter.
Sometimes, all of the sunshine can not cure a broken heart, all of the hugs in the world can not mend a solemn soul and all of the candy canes can not calm a whirling mind. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try and no matter what we do, we need more thorough structured support and advanced professional aid. A lady once told me of a man she treated who, with every single year, once the leaves began to fall from the trees, would reengage with weekly therapy and return to his antidepressant dosage under medical recommendation. He was a capable, independent, well functioning man yet just like wrapping up in winter woolies he knew that in order to survive the blue season, he had to take precautions with his mental matters. Reach out for help, talk to someone, explain how you are feelings; release the burden you are so bravely carrying alone and allow someone who cares for you to hold it with you. It may not instantly go away but I promise that it may just feel a little lighter.
'In the depths of winter, I found there was within me, an invincible summer.'
How will you comfort your heart and fortify your soul to fight the winter blues? Feel free to let me know in the comments below or message me directly through Instagram (it makes my day getting such kind lovely messages from you, it means the world that these posts are helping people). I hope this post helps you to beat the winter blues and allow some sunshine into your heart this season!
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lots of love & peace & happinessLauren x
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