Winter Solstice this year in the UK falls on the 21st of December 2024. While the days start getting longer from this point onwards, we only get 7 hours and 50 minutes of daylight!
Whether you're a winter sports lover or enjoy the cold crisp air, many of us struggle with the lack of daylight. According to a website, 1 in 20 people in the UK suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
I have never been medically diagnosed, but I am certain I have a mild case. I always dread the onset of winter or even autumn. Last year, I invested in a light therapy light, and it seems to be making a small difference.
I am not a morning person. I wake up with a sense of dread and anxiety, feeling as if I was spat onto the struggles of this world from a beautiful place. Upon waking, my mind goes through all sorts of daily stresses, and I feel like 'I can't do this...'.Thankfully, that feeling only lasts about 30 minutes, but it’s not something I’ve ever grown used to.
This is of course worse in winter mornings. I try to combat this by sleeping with the roof light blind open, hoping some light will gently ease me into the morning, but it's pitch black this time of the year!
Over the years, I have developed some strategies. The latest one, which I find really helpful, is resisting the temptation to pick up the phone. Like many people, I've developed a habit of picking up the phone out of reflex, but I’ve found that resisting this temptation really helps set a calmer tone for my day.
Apart from this, here are my morning routines:
1. Morning Affirmation: Upon waking, I say out loud, as cheerfully as I can, 'Good morning. This is going be an awesome day!' Then something simple like 'I love and approve of myself.' or 'I am divinely protected and guided.'
2. Yoga: Getting out of my mind and into my body is the best solution for me. Every morning, I step onto the mat whether I feel like it or not, and my mood is always much improved.
3. Meditation: Then, either a light breakfast then meditation, or straight onto the meditation cushion.
These practices take time, which means I have to wake up earlier than strictly necessary—no small feat for a night owl like me. But prioritising my well-being makes all the difference, and I’ve learned it’s worth the effort.
What about you? Do you have any winter morning routines that help you through these darker days? Feel free to share—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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