Many of us struggle at this time of year with the cold, damp, short days and long nights. I feel I have to accomplish everything by 430pm when the sun goes down even though there is still many hours before bed. Mind you having said that, by 6pm I’m ready to retire, but usually manage to avoid that temptation!
What is really happening? As many animals hibernate at this time of year, so is the instinct of the human body. Nature gives us the example, trees and bushes shed their leaves, plants stop producing chlorophyll in order to focus on renewal ready for the spring when massive amounts of energy are required to produce, blossoms, leaves and flowers to start the new cycle of vitality and abundance. Humans need to do the same. It is time to release all unnecessary things that take and deplete energy at this time of year. Go inward focusing on renewing yourself through good sleep, hydration, warming and nourishing foods in place of lighter cold foods.
December and January is the time when seasonal bugs fly around and if you are already feeling tired, run down or fatigued, you will be the first candidate. While unpleasant, sometimes we should thank these bugs, because they do exactly what your body has been telling you – slow down, take rest and care for yourself physically and mentally. When we ignore signs and symptoms to take our foot off the accelerator, the body will get louder and louder until it takes things into its own hands and puts you to bed with a warm duvet, fluffy pyjamas and a cup of hot lemon, honey and ginger – perhaps even steaming hot chocolate with cardamon!
What’s on the Menu?
Eating seasonally is one of the foundations of good health and vitality. When eating foods out of season we are going against the natural circadian rhythm and quite likely depleting ourselves possibly thinking we are doing a good thing. Nature has a superior intelligence, both in each specific plant whether flower, vegetable or fruit, but also as a whole. There is a reason why leeks, root vegetables and cabbage naturally grow well at this time of year. These are the foundations of a warming, healthy and comforting diet. As with everything, there might be exceptions, for example if you are diabetic, too many root vegetables in your diet are not advisable, as they have higher concentration of sugars.
Listen to your body and if it is craving warming, hearty foods, nourish and support your immune with stews, casseroles, hot soups and warm drinks to keep yourself fuelled, warm and happy emotionally, mentally and physically.
Listen to Your Body
We are whole, unique and fabulous. Looking at the whole – mental, physical, emotional and spiritual through lifestyle, diet, mindset, sleep, activity and hydration is always going to be the full answer. When it comes to food and what you eat, your body will always tell you what it needs. There is one caveat, – if your diet is based on processed foods and simple carbohydrates, the additives in processed food, stimulates the addictive pathway within the brain, causing you to crave more of the same. If locked in this cycle, introduce more vegetables, especially green leafy veg and slowly re-educate your body to eat good whole and natural foods rather than grab that take-away or processed ready microwave meal from the supermarket.
Be quiet, go inside yourself and listen to what your body is telling you. Meditate and let go of any tension or stress in the body. Be curious about emotions that arise, let the negative ones go, thanking them for the message they have delivered and returning them to the Universe.
Nature is a Cure
When its grey, damp and perhaps even raining, going outside is not that attractive, but amazing how it affects mood, general feelings of wellbeing and the lymphatic system through movement. Lymph requires a pump to work and that pump is movement. Without moving, the body literally becomes stagnant with toxins, free radicals and cellular waste making us feel heavy, fatigued and blobby.
At this time of year, nature gently shares the need to slow down and focus inwards. It’s a great calmer of the nervous system and restorative for an over-active mind, bringing everything into balance.
If the weather really is uninviting, move your body mindfully. Walk, dance, do some yoga moves or gentle stretching exercises all part of helping build the mind-body connection.
Join a Social Group
At any time of year belonging to a group who you enjoy some sort of activity with is emotionally and mentally uplifting while giving something to look forward to. If you don’t already know, find out what is going on locally – walking, cycling groups, line dancing, singing, Tai Chi and so on. When you feel a little down or not wanting to go out it will be the group members who help you find the motivation to remind you how much fun you have and how much this activity benefits you mentally and physically.
Succumb to the forces of nature and be kind to yourself at this time of year. Allow time for selfcare and renewal. Connect with family and friends, laugh a lot and listen to your physical and emotional needs while nourishing the soul.
As Jeanne Phillips (Author) said “You can be a devoted and loving spouse, or caregiver or child, but you also have to remember to program time for yourself in there, as it will renew you.”
Wishing you all a fabulous, fun filled and blessed Christmas and a very happy, healthy 2026.
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