Dark nights and Winter blues

I love this time of year but can struggle with the lack of daylight. As the nights get darker people including myself often find we are eating more and not being as active. To keep mentally and physically well we guidance recommends getting out during the daylight hours even if it is only for 10 minutes.

Some people find light therapy effective for seasonal depression. One way to get light therapy at home in winter is to sit in front of a light box for up to two hours a day.

Light boxes give out very bright light at least 10 times stronger than ordinary home and office lighting. They're not available on the NHS and cost around £40 - £60.

"Some people find that using a dawn simulator [a bedside light, connected to an alarm clock, that mimics a sunrise and wakes you up gradually] as well as a light box can enhance the beneficial effect," says Pavlovich.

Exercise will help winter blues and if you can meet with friends this helps too. I have recently started training in ju-jitsu and am lucky the club is just around the corner from me making it easier to go to on the dark nights.

Book yourself in for some reflexology or massage to help boost serotonin levels.The short, dark days of winter can disrupt sleep patterns, which in turn can cause a state of imbalance with vital energy pathways blocked, preventing the body from functioning effectively.

The hormone melatonin helps to control the sleep-wake cycle. More melatonin is released when a person is in darkness which results in sleepiness. In bright sunlight the opposite happens with less of the hormone being released.

Reflexology works on the principle that the feet represent miniature maps of the whole body and when a gentle pressure massage is applied to particular areas (reflex points), this encourages the body’s own natural healing to restore a healthy balance and create a feeling of well being.

Reflexology may be used to restore the body’s natural equilibrium. It aims to re-balance the body, improve sleep and mood and enhance well being.

A reflexology treatment is a relaxing way to release the stresses of modern life and can offer relief from many conditions including:

• sleep disorders

• hormonal imbalances

• stress related conditions

• back pain

• headaches/migraines

message or email me to make an appointment.