How to deal with winter blues
'Live each season as it passes'
Natural living and food expert Janella Purcell offers her top tips on treating depression in the cooler months.
I suffer from depression in winter and I cannot seem to pull myself out of this negative situation. Is there anything I can do to make myself feel better?
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the months of winter is a time when our energy goes ‘in and down’ – meaning it’s a time when introspection is encouraged. The kidney is at its most sensitive now and the emotions stored in this organ are fear and anxiety. And we know depression and anxiety are different sides of the same coin.
In my practice I see many people feeling sad and lonely and yes, depressed in the cooler months. It is a time where we can feel isolated and lonely. This really is normal and something to embrace, not fear. We can’t feel wonderful all the time. We need the dark in order to experience the light. Winter represents the end of the year, just as we refer to our old age as our ‘winter years’. It is a time to reflect and consider what you’d like to take with you into spring – the beginning of another cycle.
If you look at nature (our constant guide), we gather and store the harvest in autumn in order to be prepared for the lack of growth and activity of winter. It’s a time to go to bed a bit earlier and rest, for soon enough the rapid energy of spring wil be upon us – so let’s be ready.
I wear a pendant around my neck daily with this quote engraved on it – ‘Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each’ (Thoreaux) I have placed this quote on the opening page of my last book Janella’s Wholefood Kitchen. It feels appropriate to share it with you now.
Write a list of what you’d like to let go of in your life and what’s not working for you anymore. It could be a habit, a food, a person or an attitude. Whatever these things are, write them down and then burn the paper. Then write another list with what you’d like to take into spring. Be it renewal of energy, a youthful attitude, a better diet or more positive friends; or perhaps acceptance of what is.
Make some time to do this in the sun – enjoying the winter rays. Nothing lasts, that’s one thing we know for sure.Deal
NEXT: Reflexology for winter blues>>
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