5 ways to lift the winter blues with nature connection

Feel like hibernating at this time of year?

The days are short, the nights are cold and dark, and the blankets are calling.

And for those people with SAD (seasonal affective disorder), sometimes called the ‘winter blues’, there are even more challenges to contend with. As a result of changes to the brain caused by lack of exposure to sunlight, some people may experience a variety of symptoms from low mood and lethargy to difficulty concentrating.

I know first-hand, because I get SAD around this time every year. And my instinct is often to dive back under the covers when the alarm goes off.

But there are lots of ways to feel better. The NHS recommends exercise, light therapy and talking therapies to manage stress, to name a few. Importantly, it also recommends going outdoors “getting as much natural sunlight as possible.”

So here are some ways to lift those winter blues by getting those boots on and venturing out and spending time in nature…

1. Morning sunlight

Try to get outdoors in the morning. This will help set your circadian rhythm (which helps you sleep) and give you a blast of early morning Vitamin D and energy. Even a short 15 minute walk can do wonders.

2. High noon walk

If you have the time, choose to talk a walk at lunchtime, rather than eating lunch at your desk. This is when we have maximum exposure to sunlight.

3. Find the greenery

Choose a natural setting – do you have a woodland nearby, a park, a community garden, or even just a row of trees along the street? Being in, and observing, nature can help calm our minds and shift our bodies into a more relaxed state.

4. Walk slowly

Try not to rush to your destination! Take your time if you can, and use your senses to engage with your surroundings. Can you hear the birds in the trees? Can you see any early winter flowers? Can you feel the breeze against your face?

5. Consistent habits

As much as you’d like to hunker down indoors, try to create a consistent habit of getting out into a natural setting once a day. Perhaps you’ll start to notice the small signs of warmer days ahead – the snowdrops and crocuses peeking through the ground, new buds and shoots on the trees.

And remember, that even within the darkness of winter, there is life growing all around us – biding its time, waiting for the right moment.