Set the clocks back, not your mood!

Day light savings time ends on the 28th of October. Most of us dread this time of year as it means less light and colder weather. We quickly feel the urge to curl up at home, drink far too many cups of tea, eat more sugary foods and do very little activity. All of these changes combined often lead to a change in our mood, we don’t feel quite as cheerful, we tend to socialise less and generally feel unmotivated.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Take control and feel good this winter!

In the months leading to summer we all hit the panic button as we realise that we can no longer hide behind all our bulky winter clothing, we want to look good; leading in to winter you might not worry so much about looking good, but what about feeling good? Is your mental health not as important as your physical health?

Of course it is. It is even more important. This winter work on feeling good!

How you wonder? It’s not as difficult as you think. Simply take the following actions:

Action 1: Get Moving
Studies show that anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour of exercise every day can have a positive impact on our mood. Exercise releases endorphins in our body and help us to feel happy.

Action 2: Set Goals
Setting goals will keep you motivated and achieving them will empower you. If there’s a new sport you’ve always wanted to try, go for it and set the goal to stick with it for the winter. If you enjoy running, sign up for a race in the early spring and spend the winter training. Once you’ve decided on your goal write it down before the clocks turn back and put it somewhere where you’ll see it every day, when the clocks spring forward you can feel proud to have achieved it.

Action 3: Socialise
Use your exercise time to catch up with friends. It will make your sessions more enjoyable and exercising with someone often helps us to put in a bit more effort. Even better join a new club and meet new people.

Action 4: Watch what you eat
Minimise sugar and refined carbohydrates by eating foods high in protein and fibre to make you feel full and less likely to crave those sugary treats. Weight gain often leads to poor self- image; therefore maintaining your weight through winter is key to staying positive.

Don’t let this winter be a repeat of the last. Take action and feel good! Feeling good in the winter will help you to look good in the summer.