Now that we’ve waved goodbye to the final days of summer, many of us are preparing to face the long, dark winter days and months ahead.
And, for many people, lack of sunlight and shorter days can have a huge impact on their mental health, especially for those recovering from addiction. In fact, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is thought to affect about one out of every five people.
The good news is that there are lots of ways to help beat those Autumn blues. Here are our top tips.
Exercising regularly will release all those happy endorphins. And exercise can also be fun, providing that you do something that you love! Whether you love running, cycling, swimming, football, yoga, or tennis, there are lots of ways to exercise in the winter months.
A new passion will give you a sense of purpose during the Autumn months, giving you a reason to wake up in the morning and face the day. And no matter how old you are, it’s never too late to explore a new passion. So, if you’ve fancied trying your hand at something for a while, now is the perfect time to give it a go.
The sun doesn’t just disappear during the winter months. In fact, there are lots of cold, crisp, bright days to enjoy! So, when the sun does make a welcomed appearance, make sure you head outside and soak up plenty of Vitamin D. Just 20 minutes of sunlight each day can make a huge difference to your mood and mindset.
It goes without saying that, what you choose to eat can have a huge impact on your general health and wellbeing. A varied diet, packed with fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish will instantly boost your mood, giving you the energy you need to seize the day!
Oh, and remember, you should never skip breakfast. This is one of the most important meals of the day and will increase your energy levels, getting you off to a good start.
Life can be challenging and overwhelming at times, especially if you suffer from addiction. With this in mind, you should always take time out to do what you love, whether that’s reading your favourite book, having a long soak in the tub, eating your favourite meal with your favourite people, or even booking in some beauty treatments.
Sleep is integral to your general health and wellbeing and it’s important that you get as much as possible. You can improve your sleep by sticking to a routine, avoiding coffee before bed and limiting your screen time.
Your family and friends can really lift your mood and keep you on the right track to recovery. So, when you are having low days or struggling, make sure you set some time aside in your week to visit family and friends.
Here at ANA Treatment Centres, we incorporate a range of health, well-being, and therapeutic practices into our recovery programmes. Get in touch to find out how we can help you on your journey to recovery.
