Seasonal Affective Disorder is a thing. Counter it with food, colour and treats this winter
Many people find themselves feeling less energetic, motivated and cheerful during the colder months. This can be a normal experience for many. Yet, despite the winter season being an excellent opportunity for us to slow down and rest, it can be easy to slip into a case of the wintertime blues because of the lack of sunshine and time outdoors.
In light of this, if you’re in a funk and would like a fresh, positive perspective in the midst of winter, here are some easy ideas you can use to cherish your wellbeing and lift your spirits.
Feel invigorated with colour
Painting an area in your home, or even a piece of furniture can improve your outlook. Last winter, I painted my kitchen cabinets bright yellow – and regardless of the weather, there’s sunshine in my kitchen every time I spend time in there. If you don’t want to commit to such a change, painting your nails or throwing on a brightly coloured dress will give you the same sense of wellbeing and brightness.
Cut back your screen time
Did you know that the average person refreshes their email and looks at social media on average 95 times a day? And this isn’t factoring in the mindless scrolling, constant notifications, and other fruitless digital habits that we can become endlessly addicted to. While social media can have many benefits, I’m fully aware of how addictive and draining it can feel. If we want to experience real-life joy in this online world, instilling boundaries and self-awareness regarding digital matters is essential. A few ways to do this includes setting timers for daily use, unfollowing accounts that no longer make you feel good, or taking a break from these apps completely to allow more time for creative or soul-enriching pursuits. You might find yourself with all kinds of spare time to do something nourishing for yourself. Knitting, embroidery or pottery are a few ideas.
Plan for something to look forward to
If time and budget allow, plan a visit to a warmer, sunnier climate. And if far-flung travel isn’t an option, an easy-going weekend getaway somewhere close by will give you something lovely to plan for. The same goes for scheduling a catch-up with friends or loved ones. Have something nice pencilled into your calendar at all times and you’ll find yourself smiling as the date nears.
Embrace the elements
Put on your beanie, rain jacket and gumboots, and go for a wander in the wild weather. Feeling the wind on your face and rain on your skin is the ultimate way to feel invigorated by Mother Nature’s powerful energy. I always feel utterly and completely alive after a wintertime walk.
Celebrate everything that screams wintertime
We can’t change the season, so why not embrace it? Cosy slippers, fluffy beanies, hot water bottles, steaming mugs of hot cocoa. Bring all the warm and snuggly experiences into your home.
Eat mood-boosting food
According to research, food that boosts your mood includes salmon, avocado, nuts and seeds, bananas and berries, oats, fermented food, and drinks such as kefir and sauerkraut, not to mention dark chocolate. There’s so much to be said about the soul-enriching qualities of preparing yourself a wholesome meal, no matter how simple it might be. I love to do this for myself when I’m at home during the day and my little ones are at school. Treat yourself to something delicious.
Buttery tahini porridge with honey and cinnamon
A bowl of porridge is a quiet breakfast, which I find beautifully soothing to eat. A lovely bowl to serve it in adds to the experience immensely. This isn’t just a bowl of ordinary porridge; it has an unusual secret ingredient – butter.
How strange, you might be thinking, but trust me, it’s gloriously delicious. I like embellishing the creamy oats with lightly cooked blueberries, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey.
Serves 1
Ingredients
- ½ cup quick-cook rolled oats
- 1 cup water or milk of your choice
- Tiny pinch of sea salt
- 1 heaped Tbsp tahini
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Frozen blueberries (thawed)
- Cream or plant-based milk, to serve
- Cinnamon, to serve
- Honey or maple syrup, to drizzle
1 Combine the oats, water (or milk), and sea salt in a saucepan over a medium heat. Bring to the boil and simmer, stirring for 3-4 minutes, until creamy and thick. Stir in the tahini, butter and vanilla.
2 Remove from the heat and cool for a few minutes before pouring into your bowl. Serve with blueberries, cream or milk, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
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