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Winter
Wellbeing...
 [December
2021] I noticed as it was
nearing the end of a winter a
few years ago that my mood was
somewhat down. I pondered this
and realising there was nothing
specifically bothering me at the
time I considered I was
suffering from "the winter
blues".
This
is a real experience for many,
if not all people who live in an
area that experiences dull and
grey winter months. A/the reason
for this is a lack of Vitamin D.
Our
bodies produce this vital
vitamin from being exposed to
sunlight; I like to think of how
Superman heals himself in the
sun. Ideally our exposure to
sunlight through the summer
months is enough to tide us over
through the darker ones, but it
has been shown that this is not
always the case (see above-right).
I
therefore try and spend some
time outside each and every day,
ideally a minimum of an hour. I
now consciously acknowledge when
I miss a day outside (such as
due to poor weather) and now use
a Vitamin D supplement following
those days. (You
can read more about my Vitamin
regime here.)
A lack
of Vitamin D can not only affect
the mood but can lead to poor
immune health, leading us to
suffer more and for longer when
dealing with anything from a
minor cold, the flu, or viral
infection. Vitamin D is also
said to assist in regulating our
sleep, and not enough sleep can
also lead to us being less
resilient.
In
addition to a natural dose of
Vitamin D (the best kind), being
outside provides one with fresh
air and is usually combined with
physical activity such as a
walk. I try to maintain a
Morning Routine that
includes a run, and later on I
like to go out on my bike for an
hour or more.
If one
is not used to such things then
they can seem like a chore and
hard work, but once a routine is
achieved it all becomes that,
routine, and just something that
is part of your day-to-day life.
Once
time outdoors in all seasons is
achieved another thing can be
noticed... a lack of need for
excessive heating in the home;
doing some daily brisk exercise
opens up the blood vessels and
improves circulation. I believe
that a home that is too warm is
not good for the health
(providing you are generally
physically active), can cause
mould to grow (also not good for
the health), and leads to a
higher energy bills.
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