Each post will be different, and perhaps unconventional, reflecting my values and those of my work. Let’s call it a pick ‘n’ mix without the calories. (Flashback to the Woolworths days anyone?)
5 Tips for SAD times
In case you're not familiar with the term, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. (Thank you NHS for the definition.) It's also known as "winter depression" because generally people suffer more than in the summer.
On Sunday the clocks go back in the UK. It's lovely to have an extra hour to do what you want to do. I usually allow for more sleep. However, it means it's dark for more of the day and can make us feel very shut in. Whether you suffer from SAD in the darker months or feel low this time of year for other reasons - I hope these tips will help you.
1. If you can, go for a walk just as the light changes
Early morning or late afternoon - both if you can manage it. If we can see the shift in light happening, we can be more curious and mindful about it. Perhaps we can even view it as an everyday miracle? Plus, you're getting some exercise which will help lift your mood.
2. Light therapy
Where a special lamp called a light box is used to simulate exposure to sunlight. There are so many, to cover all types of person and need. My favourite is the Lumie Lamp. These very special light boxes mimic the rise of sun, gradually increasing in brightness ready for your chosen wake up time. You can also set it to get dimmer at night. I absolutely swear by my Lumie lamp as I've never been a fan of waking up in the dark and putting a light on which just hurts your eyes.
3. Inject some humour into your day
4. Diffuse or inhale essential oils
These make such a difference. If you don't have access to the actual oils, cooking with them will also help.
5. Self-Care
These are some things that soothe me. You'll have your own, of course.
Hypnotherapy can really help with SAD too, so get in touch if you'd like to know more.
Thursday 27th October, 5:53pm
Ah, a Spa
It's not cheap, that's true. It's also not an everyday experience. Let's face it. If it was, we'd get complacent. My wonderful spa day last week felt a little bit like Christmas if I'm honest. That was possibly because it was a Christmas and Birthday present rolled into one x3 between my Sister and I. We received impeccable service from the start and it was worth every penny. I really think mini spa days once every few months on the NHS (if they could afford it) would drastically improve general wellbeing. Here's my little response to the day's activities. As this isn't a review as such, I am not naming the spa. You can get all of this things at any good spa.
Floatation
This was my first experience and definitely won't be my last. Lots of salty water, moody lighting, cushions and soft music. Oh and it's warm. An opportunity to feel completely weightless. I chose to use this as a mindfulness exercise too, when I was conscious.
Massage
Wonderful if you're a knotty or tense person (I'm both.) I had a lava shell back, neck and scalp massage this time. If you get one of these early in the day, there's the added benefit of feeling less stiff for the duration.
Loungers
Just sitting by a pool on a plastic recliner or a heated lounger in a dark room has such a calming effect. This is something we could totally recreate at home with a bit of creativity.
Pools
So many to choose from. Inside/outside, quiet/less quiet, hydrotherapy, deep sea salt, funky lighting. If too much choice leaves you feeling overwhelmed I'd suggest trying them all out for a few minutes a time and then picking your favourite. Or you could just go to the first one you see and stay there. The best thing about a spa day is you get to decide where and how you spend it.
Sauna
For me, this has most benefit just after a trip in the water. You can feel the water trickling off your body as you dry. This one was a little too hot though unfortunately and I could only sit for 5 minutes at a time. Perhaps a good thing in the long run or my internal organs would be fried!
Outside
Being so warm outside last week, the steam coming off the little whirlpools was atmospheric. It could have also been the October mist... There were some hot tubs - wonderful when you're in them but very cold when you get out.
Connection with yourself and/or companion
There are so many excuses for self-care here. The actual experiences were very sensory. You can also have a read or a nap, do a crossword puzzle etc. The food is nice and healthy. There's also lots of time for life, the universe and everything type conversations. Generally most people are in a good mood because it's their choice to be there.
Spas aren't for everyone but if they're for you, where can you find time and money to treat yourself to this divine experience?
Thursday 20th October, 5:20pm
Wear for Wellbeing
When we wear an outfit that's comfortable, both in materials and who we are, we are bound to feel good. Below are some ideas.
Comfort
I don't know about you but I've definitely reached an age where it's comfort over fashion. Not that I ever really followed fashion before. I've recently ditched full on jeans in favour of j/leggings that don't dig into me constantly. Do your clothes fit you properly? Are your shoes going to last the day and support your feet?
Expression
Since I was a teenager, I've had slogan tops and pictures on my clothing that reflect 'me'. Now they are effective work wear too, with words like 'welcome every day with positive energy and vibes.' Perhaps a certain t-shirt makes you laugh or evokes a lovely memory. What do your socks say about you? Do you know which colours suit you best?
Seasonal
Speaking of colours, Autumn is my favourite season for this reason. So many vibrant shades outside. We can feel at one with nature by reflecting them. My orange skirt (pictured) was bought from a charity shop and doubles up as a Halloween outfit. Result!
Warmth
We're coming into the colder months and energy prices continue to rise. Out come the hats, scarves, gloves and huge woolly jumpers. An ex colleague introduced me to Primark's super cosy tights over a decade ago. They are incredible. Not only do they last longer than the average pair of tights but they're fleece-lined! If you're a lizard like me - I hope you'll instantly feel happier when you're warmer.
Dressing up
Do you enjoy fancy dress parties at this time of year, or any time of year? Getting creative with a character can take us out of our heads for a bit. Even better if we make our own costumes. It's heaps of fun and we focus on the task at hand.
Unseen or seen underwear
I say no more...
Not just clothes
There are so many other things we can wear to boost our feel good factor. Decorative items and colours in our hair, jewellery, make up (especially if it makes skin feel good too), nail varnish. etc. There are also the scents we carry around with us - i.e perfume or essential oils. (Yes I snuck them in.)
Of course, the best thing we can wear to make us feel good is A SMILE.
Thursday 6th October, 2:24pm
Uplifting Poem: Kindness (by Nikita Gill)
I stumbled across this lovely poem earlier this week and wanted to share it. It feels so relevant right now, and pretty much any time really!
I believe we can learn kindness quickly in adverse conditions. Isn't it better to give our love and time to others rather than feel helpless or lost in our own negative thoughts? It can really boost our sense of wellbeing to connect to others in a positive way.
There's so much going on in the world right now. Our common humanity, for the majority of us, is something we can cling on to. At least we still have that. Hardships often make us realise what's important in life. In this way we can put our grievances aside. They say 'a problem shared is a problem halved,' which resonates with me. We are always stronger together.
I'm probably repeating myself a bit here from a recent post on tribes. Personally, I can't emphasise the importance of kindness enough. Plus our brains love repetition! :-)
Thursday 29th September, 3:51pm
How we remember them
As UK residents and many others around the world mourn our Queen this week, it makes me want to explore how we commemorate someone we've lost in general.
Of course, a lot will depend on what the person meant to us and others. We might look through items they once owned and keep them close (both the items and the person!) In planning a funeral or celebration of their life, we think about their favourite songs or hymns. I remember my Gran insisting we played David Essex's 'A Winter's Tale' to see her out, no matter what time of year it was. Some form of eulogy often reveals things we didn't know. A reminder of special sayings or mannerisms. We might scatter ashes in a beloved location or make sure a final resting place is with significant others. One thing we've done for centuries and across cultures is lay flowers. It's been very moving seeing pictures of all the beautiful bouquets decorating London and Windsor over the last fortnight.
Collective grief brings people closer together. Such public events to honour the Queen have had a lovely way of improving connection in what can be a very disconnected world. We can share stories and silence in reflection. But we can also have our own private time for tribute, visiting a grave or lighting a candle.
There are so many other ways and even if I knew them all, I couldn't possibly list here. There's also no set instructions on how to remember someone. It's so important we do it in the way that feels right for us.
Thursday 22nd September, 5:23pm