Keeping the winter blues at bay
We are now waking up in the dark and the nights are drawing in as we head through autumn into the fast approaching winter months.
Wintertime is also a time of year that can act as a trigger for people who suffer from a condition that is now recognised by medical experts as Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) or winter depression.
Lucia Cockcroft, Director of healthy holiday company Satvada Retreats, who has been practising and teaching yoga for 15 years, has created a list of eight tips to help get through the cold, dark, winter months.
Rise at 7am (or earlier): getting up early allows plenty of time to enjoy a hearty breakfast and perhaps get a little exercise before the rest of the day takes over
Take advantage of the early start by practising a little yoga: sun salutations are a wonderful way to energise your whole system, and feel stretched and rejuvenated. A 10-15-minute yoga practice will also help kick-start the lymph system
Use a light box: if you feel sluggish or a little down in the winter, invest in a light box, which may help to restore energy levels and lift your mood
Set aside ten minutes before bed-time for some mindfulness meditation. Science has shown that a regular, simple mindfulness practice can help reduce stress levels, improve sleep and help us switch off
Take a lunch-time walk, regardless of how heavy your workload is. As well as gaining some 'head-space' you will maximise exposure to natural daylight, and burn off some calories
Eat well for optimum health: think warming vegetarian and whole food: vegetable-rich stews and casseroles, home-made soups
If you can, treat yourself to a regular massage. At this time of year, think hot stones, or ayurvedic massage, to stimulate the lymph system and boost immunity
Treat yourself to a retreat weekend: it's surprising what a positive effect a few days of yoga, meditation and good food – in a peaceful location – can have on both body and soul
Satvada Retreats (satvada-retreats.co.uk) is running a three-night Art of Relaxation weekend (open to everyone) in rural Suffolk over November 29 – December 2.
The three-night break costs from £365 pp (two sharing) which includes all tuition, full-board accommodation and return transfers from Diss train station.
Other treatments including massage and reflexology will be available to book at a supplement.
