The clocks went back last week, and many of us are already feeling the effects of early sunsets.

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You might find yourself feeling symtoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), including:

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• feeling anxious & irritable, experiencing a low mood
• sleeping more than usual, having trouble waking up, feeling tired and lethargic
• having difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• finding it hard to stay connected with friends and family
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But there are many ways we can look after our mental health during darker months.

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1. Get outside during the day

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Try to make the most of the few daylight hours and get outside when you can. Whether it’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning, or something you fit into your lunch break, wrap up warm and try to head out for a walk or run, even if it’s quick. Even a cloudy day will provide your body with a bit of the light it’s craving.‍

2. Build a meditation routine

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When it gets dark so early, we might find ourselves feeling low and/or anxious. One of the best tried and true methods to deal with brain fog is to try meditation to clear an anxious mind or deal with Low Mood. Voda has CBT programmes and meditations for “Dealing with Anxiety” and “Dealing with Low Mood” that can help through these months.‍

3. Eat well & take vitamins!

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It’s important to try to keep a balanced diet to make sure your brain gets everything it needs to function properly. Our bodies need lots of B, C, and D, and Iron when there’s less natural sunlight to help us absorb it. Try to eat lots of leafy greens and protein, drink lots of water, and of course have comfort food when your body is craving it. It’s just important to make sure your body is getting all its nutrients.

4. Brighten up your living space

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If you work from home, try to let as much sunlight into your working environment as possible. Open any curtains or blinds and sit by a window if you can. There are also affordable LED SAD lamps online which give you UV light that mimics the suns rays, which can help you absorb vitamins C and D better. You could also try some indoor plants to help you feel a bit closer to nature.

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