As the mornings and nights get darker we can sometimes find our mental health doing the same. We are less motivated, our mood can become low as we are not getting out as much and therefore we are spending more time alone with our thoughts.
What I have found that helps me during these months is to find a routine or try my best to stay in routine. If that means having to brace the cold or wet nights and still going to my class or going for a walk, even though I don’t want to, I will convince myself that it will be worth it. Let’s face it, we never regret a workout! If working out isn’t your thing, find something else that you can be in the company of others such as crotchet club, book club, dance class or why not start a new learning course? Find something you enjoy and do that.
Building my winter wardrobe is always a love of mine as unlike summer, the clothes are bigger and cosier and I find them so much more comfortable and easier to hide my stoma (not that I’m looking to!)
Balance your stress – rest as much as you need especially if your sleep is not great and try to create a wind-down routine for the evening. This can include lighting a candle, taking a warm bath, reading a book and not forgetting that self-care comes in many forms – choose what’s best for you.
I think regardless of the time of year, we all get down days that can be caused by many reasons, sometimes no reason at all, but as long as we don’t stay there and find our way out of the dark, we can get through. Be kinder to yourself and go easy on yourself – take life a day at a time, an hour at a time, if needs be, and reach out if you’re struggling.
