It's Time to Soak Up the Sun
It’s around this time every year where you just get a sense that there’s been a slight shift in the air.
There just seems to be slightly more people out for a walk than there was last week (lockdown or not!). It is the subtle hint that spring may be just around the corner. I’m sure I’m not the only one that just feels a little lighter when the sun in shining, especially after a cold and wet winter. The physical benefits from Vitamin D are well known but were you aware of the psychological benefits of stepping outside and soaking in the sunshine?
The weather is often more connected to our mood than we give it credit for. So much so that there is a type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder. It usually starts and ends for people at the same times each year, beginning in autumn, lasting throughout winter, and improving as spring begins. The symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder and very similar to those for Major Depressive Disorder. A lot of people won’t experience mental illness solely because it’s winter but the impact of the changes of the seasons can be significant for a lot of people.
Now that spring is just around the corner it’s time to get outside! Below are a couple of tips, or motivating factors, to help you get outside and boost your mood.
It’s not as cold and rainy, there’s no excuse, go for a stroll! Take a step away from your screens and stretch your legs. One of the best mechanisms to fight low mood is by ensuring you have movement in your day.
Appreciate Nature, it’s bouncing back to life. This is a great opportunity to go for a mindful walk. Leave the headphones at home and head outside to see what has changed since you last really looked. Are the leaves starting to green again? Are more and more flowers starting to bloom? Minimising your distractions and connecting in with your surroundings can support your mind to focus and reduce stress. Close your eyes for a minute, take a deep breath, and see what you can hear.
Use the beautiful weather as an excuse to go for a walk with a friend. Lockdown or not, you are allowed outside for a walk with one other person. Social connection is key when seeking to support your mood. We still continue to be kept apart, but for those of you lucky enough to live within 5km of a friend, put your walking shoes on and head out. It can seem hard, at times, to muster the energy, but it’s so important to keep connection alive, even if it is just for an hour, with a mask on!
In these challenging and changing it times, it can seem hard to find peace and calm. Nature is a perfect anecdote for this. It’s free and it’s right outside your door.
If you do feel like your mood is a little lower than normal or you have noticed a shift in your headspace due to the weather (or not) Piece by Piece Therapies is willing and able to support. We are a small group of Psychologists passionate about supporting people to find their calm.
Please click the button below if you would like to find out more.
Enjoy the sunshine!