ITS GONNA BE A LONG COLD WINTER ... LIVING WITH 'SAD SYNDROME'
WINTER IS COMING - HOW TO MEET IT HEAD ON WITHOUT FEAR
IF YOU ARE ANYTHING LIKE ME LOOKING OUT OF THE WINDOW AT THIS TIME OF YEAR BRINGS ON A CERTAIN FEELING OF MELANCHOLY: LEAFLESS TREES, DULL GREY SKY, PERSISTENT DRIZZLE. I AM DEFINITELY A SUMMER PERSON AND THIS TIME OF YEAR FOR ME, LIKE MANY OTHERS, CAN BE A CHALLENGE.
OVER THE YEARS I HAVE FOUND WAYS TO EMBRACE THE SO CALLED “SAD SEASON” AND MAKE THE LACK OF SUNSHINE LESS OF A CHALLENGE AND MORE OF A TIME FOR REFLECTION AND MINDFULNESS. I HAVE FOUND THINGS TO LOVE AND ENJOY THAT JUST AREN’T THERE IN THE WARMER SEASONS. I HAVE ALSO FOUND WAYS TO COMBAT THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CHANGES THAT, FOR ME, ACCOMPANY THIS TIME OF YEAR. HERE ARE SOME OF MY TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SURVIVING THE WINTER SEASON WITHOUT THE NEED TO FLY TO THE TROPICS!
1 WHATS NOT TO LOVE?
One of my greatest friends cannot fathom why I dread this time of year so much. She hates the sun and looks forward to the winter and everything it brings. She jets off skiing with her family twice during the season, takes in the Christmas markets on the continent and searches out ice hotels in Scandinavia. Now, whilst this isn’t the lifestyle many of us can afford there is certainly something to learn from her approach.
My top tip is to think differently about winter and focus on the unique events of winter, meaning we can fill our diary and make the long months seem more manageable. It’s all about shifting the mindset: embrace, enjoy and accept. What do you enjoy about the winter months? What events do you look forward to ? Bonfire night? Christmas? Curling up with a book in front of a raging fire? Christmas shopping and sipping mulled cider in a Christmas market?
In the UK there are some amazing Christmas markets that more than challenge those of continental Europe. Having lived in Germany I have fond memories of schmalzkuchen (piping hot doughnut squares) and mulled wine whilst shopping for exquisite decorations that look like they were made by one of Santa’s elves . Birmingham has the largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria and this year has over 180 stalls, an ice rink, and a big wheel surely a must-do for anyone wanting to do some last minute Christmas shopping. It runs from November 3rd to December 23rd. Here are more details.
Whilst personally I find the idea of sleeping in an Ice Hotel a bit alarming I do think the idea of sipping ice cold cocktails whilst cozily wrapped up in a big fluffy blanket sounds quite fun. There are ice bars popping up all over the country and perhaps the most famous is part of Hyde Park’s annual Winter Wonderland. The aptly named Bar Ice has an alpine club vibe so bring your dancing moon boots!
2 LET THERE BE (FAIRY) LIGHTS
It is largely believed that the winter blues are caused by reduced light levels so what better excuse than to embark on a bit of retail therapy. Any sort of lamp or lighting can brighten up a dimly lit room. When its too cold to go outside there is nothing better than curling up with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate. I don’t know about you but I enjoy the process much more with a physical book but my eyesight not being what it was in my 20s I struggle to read in low light conditions. Last year I found this amazing light which not only takes up very little room it is also adjustable and with different colour temperatures is kind on the eyes.
For me though, when I think lights in winter I think strings of fairy lights twinkling in the snow. I love to deck out the garden with strings of lights and lanterns. But why stop there? Bringing the twinkling lights inside lifts the spirits as well as the light levels. As the nights close in I look forward to closing the curtains and walking around like Robert Louis Stevenson’s Leerie lighting the lamps!
The ultimate in lights and a great trick to combat SAD syndrome is the light box. They have proved effective in some cases of alleviating the symptoms fo SAD by simulating natural daylight. Of course though, nothing beats the real thing so at every opportunity get outside and soak up as much natural daylight as possible.
3 IN A STEW
I do try to eat sensibly and try to follow a Ketogenic diet that is low in carbohydrates. One of the symptoms of SAD is craving carbohydrates and for me this causes me yet more anxiety as I imagine the pounds piling on and often feel bloated. I have learnt that a great way to combat this need for bread and cake is to treat myself to some healthier carbs: delicious root vegetables and pulses are usually on my ‘no-go’ list but in winter a heart-warming stew makes a great comfort food dish. My Mamas amazing beef stew combines stewing steak with chopped potatoes, carrots, parsnips and celery with a good splash of Worcestershire sauce in a hearty beef stock. Served with silky smooth mashed potatoes this is like a hug a bowl. My slow cooker (I have a Sage Fast Slow Pro which incidentally makes the best risottos imaginable) is a life saver this time of year. I find that by late afternoon my energy levels are waning but if I start a meal in the slow cooker in the morning by evening there’s a delicious meal ready for the family.
Another great tip is to make use of the freezer. On days you have more energy or even before winter kicks in why not freeze some great home cooked meals. Stews take up little room in the freezer and can be bagged rather than stored in Tupperware. Remember to label and date your bags: a bag of stew can look very similar to a bag of apple pie mix once frozen!
Nothing says winter to me more than porridge. Goldilocks and the three bears had it spot on by starting the day with this complex carb bowl of yumminess. I use coarse oatmeal and make it the Scottish way with half milk and half water and a pinch of salt. I like to add sweetness by adding a handful of blueberries or raspberries before serving. I also find it works well with plant-based milks giving a more individual flavour.
4 KICK BACK AND HAVE A HYGGE TIME!
Sitting in front of a roaring fire on a sheepskin rug, candles warmly flickering, wearing a thick Fair isle sweater and woollen socks, glass of mulled wine in hand after a long walk in the snow whilst the wind blows outside. Get the picture? Well that’s the essence of Hygge (prounounced Hugh-ah) a Danish concept that is supposed to bring feelings of contentment and wellbeing: a sanctuary from the long hours of darkness endured by people in Scandinavia. But Hygge is more than a cozy bean bag in front of the fire. For the Danes it is a whole way of life, a happiness manifesto. It is less setting the scene but more gratitude for what you already have and making the most of it: its about home and family and friends. It’s about feeling safe. What better way to be in this time of living life vicariously and the need to make everything so instagram ready?
So how can we be more Hygge? The depths of winter may seem a strange time to BBQ but sitting around a fire pit toasting marshmallows is definitely very Hygge. Breakfast in bed may seem like you are giving in to the winter blues but not if you serve it on the best china on a pretty tray and snuggle down with the Sunday supplements. A long hot bath by candlelight with a good book is a great way to de-stress. Stress incidentally is a big factor in winter depression: we have fewer daylight hours to get things done and consequently our stress levels go up. Don’t stress the small stuff: indulge with throws and cushions, anything to make the house feel cozy.. but most of all embrace the chaos!
5 NO BAD WEATHER ONLY BAD CLOTHES
If you’re anything like me then when the weather gets chilly you feel less like taking the dogs on long walks and generally leaving the warmth of the kitchen. In Sweden where winter lasts 6 months they have a saying that there is “no bad weather just bad clothing”. Who doesn’t love the excuse to go clothes shopping? Well here’s your chance! Layers are absolutely key to the look. Gorgeous long silk underwear has to be the most indulgent but comfortable way to stay warm. on the outside wool obviously holds in the warmth but not all wools are equal. Merino wool is a great insulator: I have a pair of leather gloves lined with merino wool which are not only extremely toasty but also so soft that I never want to take them off. Personally I favour long skirts, oversized jerseys and tights in winter. I find trousers are just not snuggy enough. Scour the charity shops for vintage kilts: they are designed to withstand a Scottish winter in an unheated croft and the colours are a joy to behold.
I’ve said it before and i’ll say it again.. a hat is your best friend! It is a myth that we lose most of out heat through our head but there is no doubt that covering your extremities well will keep in the warmth. I love hats: winter is a time to bring out the woolly bobbles pulled down over the ears. And don’t forget your feet. This is the time to swap the ballet pumps for a pair of fur lined boots. I have a pair of Columbia snow boots and quite frankly they are amazing! Not only are they warm as toast they are also exceedingly comfortable and waterproof to boot!
So there it is … a positive take on the cold season! Pull on your woolly socks, light the fire and wrap yourself in the feeling of Hygge … and remember its not long until Spring!
WHAT CAUSES SAD SYNDROME?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD for short) is a genuine disease. It is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern, usually being more severe in the winter months. The NHS describe the symptoms as including persistent low mood, loss of pleasure in ordinary activities, irritability, feelings of despair and worthlessness, feeling lethargic and sleepy in the day, finding it difficult to get up in the morning, craving carbohydrates, having difficulty concentrating and decreased sex drive.
SAD is not fully understood but it is thought that a lack of sunlight might stop a part of the brain called the hypothalamus from working properly, affecting the production of melatonin, serotonin and messing up the body’s internal clock.