No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn

Many of us were thankful for the extra hour in bed when the clocks went back last weekend! Now, a few days in and the reality of the colder and greyer weather, less daylight and longer nights is kicking in.

Some people see this time of year as a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the busy summer months – time to rest and recharge. Others find the change unsettling and they struggle with low mood and motivation.

Keeping our physical, mental and emotional health in check is important all year round so here are some gentle reminders about things we can do to look after ourselves:

• Get active – top of the list is exercise! Whilst cosying-up indoors and hibernating can feel tempting, exercise is known to trigger dopamine, a pleasure hormone that boosts mental well-being. It might be hard to take the first steps to move more, but once you do, your mind and body will thank you!
• Make the most of daylight – it may be limited but where and when possible, try and get outdoors even for short periods for your daily dose of vitamin D, which helps boost mood. If it’s not possible to get outdoors, try to get some natural daylight indoors by opening blinds and sitting by a window.
• Keep a routine – sticking to a schedule or routine during times of change can help create a sense of stability and control. Try to get your sleep, which ultimately impacts energy levels and motivation too! And remember to schedule dates with friends and family!
• Take action – be proactive and make whatever changes you need to help you feel well and stay well. If you find you are struggling, please reach out and speak to someone you trust or your GP.

Click here to find out how getactiveabc is here to help you find your winter groove with fitness classes, gym sessions, swimming and much more.