“Winter is coming!” is the catchphrase in the TV show Game of Thrones. And that may mean a person can feel a bit down. This is a situation in which a plumber may be unable to help. 😊
It’s a familiar feeling. About 20% of the population is affected by SAD this time of the year, Seasonal Affective Disorder. Yes, they have an acronym for it! This website has a lot of good information about having a healthy home, but a healthy mind is also pretty important. Home health and mental health probably go together, hand in hand. If you want to lighten up as winter sets in, here are a few ideas that might help.
- Open your curtains or blinds and let the world inside.
Sit near windows whenever possible.
SAD is caused by a lack of sunlight. Natural light is there even on a cloudy day; soak it up.
- Buy and set up a daylight lamp.
Some lamps simulate daylight, boost your energy, and be a mood changer on dreary, dull days. Check out Amazon for one of these.
- Action! Motion!
Do away with anxiety and depression by indulging your body in a bit of exercise to improve your fitness. That doesn’t mean joining a gym, either. Rug up and go for a walk around the neighbourhood. Buy a yoga mat and follow a YouTube video.
- Vitamin D Supplements.
Back pain, fatigue and depression, to mention a few, are signs of vitamin D deficiency. If being out in the sun is not your thing, and from where you get plenty of vitamin D, pick up some supplements from the store. Take one a day.
- Keep warm!
You can keep your home healthy by having insulation and ensuring your windows are not letting in a draft. Use a space heater for freezing rooms if you don’t have central heating already installed by a plumber. If you feel cold, you feel worse.
- Fake flower decorations.
Why fake flowers/ Well, it is winter, and one may assume that a blaze of colour with flowers might be out of season. But colourful flowers can make you feel happier, and your brain might think it’s a spring preview. It will make their day!).
- Mingle with Family and friends.
Socialising can be a chore, but it’s great for your mental well-being in general. Take time to have a coffee with a friend or plan a crazy weekend away with the family.
- Hobbies.
Nothing occupies a person’s mind more than a hobby. It can become something you will enjoy regularly: painting, a musical instrument, reading, DIY projects, and crossword puzzles. Whatever you choose, do it!
Winter is upon us in June; it will be over within three months. Roll on September.
