Let the light in

• Make sure you have appropriate outdoor clothes – if you’re warm and waterproof you’re ready for any weather!
• Take a lunch break and get into the light whatever the weather. It doesn’t have to be an hour, or even at lunch time if that doesn’t suit your working pattern, but try to get out in daylight hours wherever possible. You will always feel better for going outside.
• Open your curtains and window in the morning even for just a few minutes to let a blast of cold air in.
• Try and work near a window if you can, move your desk if necessary or hotdesk round the house.
• If you have a garden or balcony go outside a few times a day for a few deep breaths of fresh air.
• Take work calls/meetings outside where possible, if there’s no reason you can’t be walking and talking.
• Make a plan to get out every weekend –  visit parks, gardens, countryside and beaches. Going outside and being in nature can reduce your anxiety and stress. There is scientific evidence that we feel calmer when we look at trees for example.
• Get a SAD light which replicates daylight and can boost your mood.
• Put fairy lights up, light candles, practice the Danish tradition of hygge at home to get through the long winter months. When darkness is illuminated by a few little flickering lights it seems more bearable.
• Take a Vitamin D supplement. Experts recommend everyone does in winter and this winter it’s even more important.

As the Celts believe, out of darkness and death comes light and life. We will come into the light once again.