On Sunday, 27 October, the UK returned to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), giving many an extra hour in bed. However, the shift also brings shorter days and darker evenings, which can significantly impact mental health, productivity, and overall wellbeing.
Top tips for managing seasonal changes
Dr. Rachael Molitor, Chartered Psychologist and lecturer at Coventry University, shares her top tips for managing the effects of the seasonal change if you’re struggling during this time of year:
- Express your feelings: Talking with friends, family, or a healthcare professional can reduce feelings of isolation.
- Stay active: Regular exercise can elevate mood and boost energy levels.
- Maximise daylight: Exposure to natural light or light therapy supports mood regulation—spending more time outdoors during daylight hours helps the body adapt.
- Keep a routine and practice mindfulness: These habits improve emotional stability and promote quality sleep.
Additional self-care strategies
For more self-care strategies to support mental health during the darker, colder months, check out “5 Self Care Tips for Seasonal Affective Disorder This Autumn” by Heather Kelly, published on our website. This article offers practical guidance on maintaining emotional well-being as the days grow shorter. From using light lamps and staying active to embracing gratitude and nourishing your body with key nutrients, these insights provide a helpful complement to Dr. Rachael Molitor’s expert tips. Together, they offer a range of ways to boost resilience and maintain balance through the seasonal changes.
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder
Another article by Compeed published on our website highlights how Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects around 2 million people in the UK each winter, leading to symptoms like depression, sleep difficulties, and lethargy as days become shorter and darker. This seasonal mood decline can also trigger physical responses, such as reactivating the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and causing cold sore flare-ups. To help maintain mental health and potentially reduce the risk of cold sores this winter, the team at Compeed has compiled practical tips for managing stress and supporting well-being during the colder months.
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