Navigating December's Challenges: A NATURAL Path to Well-being
December, with its twinkling lights and festive cheer, can often be a double-edged sword. While the holiday season brings joy and togetherness, it can also be a time of stress, overindulgence, and seasonal blues. Let's explore some common December challenges and how we can harness the power of nature, sleep, and self-care to navigate them.
Social Pressure and Stress
The holiday season is often synonymous with social gatherings, family obligations, and gift-giving. While these traditions can be heartwarming, they can also lead to significant stress. To counteract this, try:
Get Outdoors: Spend time outdoors, even for short periods. A mindful nature walk or simply observing nature from a bench or a window can have a calming effect. In the winter, it’s important to get as much outside light as possible, both for vitamin D production and for our body clock, which takes its cues from daylight.
Prioritise Sleep: Ensure you're getting enough quality sleep. It’s tempting to say yes to all the social invitations, but if this disrupts your usual pattern, you’ll notice the difference. For more help with sleep, my comprehensive Seven Days to Better Sleep course is currently on offer with 40% off (offer available until 13th December - use the code U88BJAT at checkout)
Self-Care Practices: Make sure you maintain your self-care routine, however that looks. Balance social events with time to rest, be creative and your usual exercise pattern.
Overindulgence and Disrupted Routines
The festive season often involves indulging in rich foods and drinks. While it's okay to enjoy these treats in moderation, overindulgence can disrupt your sleep, digestion, and overall well-being. To maintain balance:
Mindful Eating: Practice mindful eating, really savouring each bite and listening to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables into your meals.
Healthy Sleep Habits: Aim for consistent sleep schedules, making sure you give yourself a good ‘sleep window’ at roughly the same time each day. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, especially close to bedtime.
Gentle Movement: Engage in gentle forms of exercise, such as yoga or walking, to keep things moving. Walking in winter has many benefits including managing our mood, weight, and heart health, and helping with sleep. A short walk (20 minutes or so) at a reasonable pace is a great way to help with anxious feelings and give you time to think.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
As daylight hours decrease, some people may experience symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), characterised by feelings of sadness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. All of the strategies already mentioned can help combat SAD. In addition, paying attention to what’s been good can help by boosting motivating and rewarding chemicals in our brains.
Embrace Natural Light: Spend time in natural light, even on cloudy days. Consider using light therapy boxes to mimic sunlight.
Notice what’s been good: Even the small things count. The more attention you pay to what’s been good, the more you’ll notice the good things. It’s a simple way to take small steps in the right direction.
Boost Your Mood: Engage in regular physical activity to elevate your mood and energy levels. Incorporate mood-boosting foods and supplements into your diet. Try to limit sugar and alcohol, so that you maintain a steady blood sugar and a clear head.
Nurturing Your Well-being in the New Year
As we transition into a new year, let's prioritise our well-being and set intentions for a healthier and happier future. If you're seeking a deeper dive into holistic health, consider joining our January retreat. This transformative experience will focus on:
Hormonal Balance: Understanding the intricate interplay of hormones and their impact on overall health. Our Guest Expert Margaret Bell will deliver workshops throughout the retreat
Gut Health: Exploring the gut-brain connection and how a healthy gut can support optimal well-being.
Holistic Self-Care: Discovering practical strategies to nourish your body, mind, and soul; workshops with Sally, a creative workshop and gentle walks on Dartmoor all add to the experience.
By addressing the root causes of imbalances, we can unlock our full potential and live a life of vitality and joy.
Remember, December is a season of both challenges and opportunities. By prioritising self-care, connecting with nature, and optimising your sleep, you can navigate this time with grace and emerge feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the new year.
