Nature can beat those winter blues
January is a challenging time for both our physical and mental health. Not only are all the festivities of the past year now but distant memories, this is also the depth of winter: cold, short days allowing for much less time spent being active outdoors.
More than 1 in 20 people in the UK have also been diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD), which means they experience low mood and lack of motivation in the autumn and winter months, but many more could suffer from this seasonal mood disorder and not realise it.
We could do worse than taking a leaf out of nature’s book. Look around in autumn and you’ll see birds and squirrels foraging for provisions to see them through the winter; while we can’t retreat, hibernate or enjoy a deep sleep like many animals do, we too should prepare a self-care package to get us through these cold, harsh months.
Exposure to natural daylight is one of the first things to change as winter sets in; shorter days make it harder for many people to get as much light or sunshine as they ideally need. Natural daylight is vital for us to function properly, heightening the brain’s production of mood-enhancing chemical serotonin and helping regulating our sleep patterns (or circadian rhythm).
Getting natural daylight is especially difficult for those who spend a lot of time indoors under artificial light out of necessity, whether because of work, personal circumstance or health. If this is you, spend time by a window, take regular desk/screen breaks and get out for a walk or enjoy activities in your garden at every opportunity, especially those involving nature such as watching the birds. The reserve at Severn Farm Pond in Welshpool (pictured) is a perfect place to visit.
It's also crucial to remember that this time of year is transient and that spring will soon be here; in fact, by January the shortest day, December 21, is already behind us so every day we begin to welcome a little more light into our lives.
Our Wild Skills Wild Spaces programme, partnered with the NHS and Powys Teaching Health Board, is designed for young people and adults living in North Powys who are struggling with their mental health, whether that’s depression, anxiety, social isolation, or low self-esteem.
The free, inclusive sessions are ideal for those who wouldn’t usually engage in outdoor activities and/or prescribed therapeutic interventions, and they allow individuals to go at their own pace. It’s designed around the five ways to wellbeing – Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Learn and Give – a framework can help anyone beat their winter blues.
BE ACTIVE – Keep up with an existing routine or create a new one. Key to getting the most of your experience outside in winter is having the right clothing as no one enjoys freezing fingers or toes. As long as you’ve checked the weather and dressed accordingly, a walk will never make you feel worse.
TAKE NOTICE – Winter can be magical, whether it’s those later sunrises, spectacular sunsets, or nature being revealed in the frost as webs appear glistening, clinging to trees, fences and gates. Why not take a camera out and capture the things that draw your attention?
Just as importantly, take notice of how you’re feeling at this time of year. Focus on the things you enjoy, take time to relax and remember that’s it’s ok to say no if you’re feeling overwhelmed or exhausted.
LEARN – The new year is a perfect time to learn something new, volunteer or join a club. Our Wild Skills Wild Spaces programme is open to self-referrals this January, so if you’d like to connect, learn, share, and give whilst being out in nature, get in touch.
GIVE – Join a social group or club, volunteer with your local Wildlife Trust or be a part of something in your local community. If you know people who might be lonely, pick up the phone, send a message, write a letter, or send email and it may just make someone’s day.
For more information about Wild Skills Wild Spaces or to refer onto the programme, visit: www.montwt.co.uk/WSWS
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