Don't let the beat of the Winter blues get you down

As the clocks go back this weekend, the immediate benefit of a much needed, extra-long Sunday morning lie-in can be often short-lived for some.

Indeed it may go relatively unnoticed… unless of course, you are one of the guaranteed few who forget to re-set the alarm, and arrive to work an hour early on Monday morning, much to the amusement of those still smugly snuggled-up in bed!

The reality however is shorter days, longer nights and an often dramatic change in climate – which can mean, for many people, a lowering of mood and onset of winter blues, or indeed a more severe depression.

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator for Breathing Space explains: “Many of us find ourselves feeling more tired as winter approaches, the clocks going back almost induces a feeling of jet-lag and even the chirpiest of us can lose the spring in our step at this time of year.

“But there are simple measures we can take, to stop the winter blues getting on top of us. Diet and exercise for example are vital. It’s all too easy to shut yourself away and reach for the comfort food. Opt instead for outdoor activities such as walking, and warming healthy foods such as lentils, beans and soups.

“The importance of daylight cannot be underestimated, so try to get outdoors everyday - if just for half an hour at lunchtime. Also, try to manage your stress levels and relax, relax, relax. Work on creating a comfortable cosy haven at home where you can unwind and enjoy the long wintry nights. Finally, make sure you seek social and emotional support from friends and family. This, as with all the above, is important all year round, but particularly so during the winter months when we are less likely to be out and about.

“Many callers to Breathing Space are feeling the effects of depression and often find it hard to pinpoint the cause for their low mood.  Sometimes the thought of sharing with friends or family can seem such a difficult prospect that people prefer to pretend everything is okay.  That’s where the Breathing Space team can help, we have specialist call advisors available every day of the year from 6pm – 2am (0800 83 85 87 – Minicom: 0800 31 71 60). 

Tony continues: “Sometimes, just talking to someone and sharing how you feel can be the first step in combating the effects of the winter blues.  Call advisors can listen and offer advice, or suggest people who can help with more specific problems in the caller’s local area.”