Beat Winter Tiredness - Om Yoga Magazine December

I know once the nights start drawing in I can end up feeling very lethargic. Given the choice I'd quite like to curl up somewhere and hibernate until the Spring! But it's not just me being lazy (well, not completely), there is in fact a scientific reason why we all want to take an extended duvet day as soon as the calendar hits November.

Winter tiredness = shorter days and longer nights lead to feeling sleepier and more fatigued. This is due to the body producing increased levels of melatonin, which controls sleepiness. Melatonin production is lnked to light and dark so less sunlight means more melatonin, and therefore feeling more tired.

This month's Om Yoga Magazine has some great tips to boost your energy and fight the fatigue.

Beating Winter Tiredness

1. Spend as much time outdoors in sunlight as you can during the day - take a walk at lunchtime , keep the curtains open and try and sit next to the window at work.
2. Get a good night's sleep - this will help you to feel well rested and refreshed for the day ahead. Ty a cup of Sleep Easy tea which contains valerian root, a natural sedative, and switch off your phone to get away from the temptations of social media!
3. Keep moving - continue to exercise regularly.  It's an opportunity to get outside, and the endorphins released will give you a much needed lift- which will in turn help you to sleep better.
4. Eat a balanced diet - deficiencies in Vitamin D and Iron can make you feel more tired. We usually get Vitamin D from sunlight during the summer months, so during the winter you can help to supplement but turning to food sources such as oily fish, eggs, and fortified cereals. Good sources of iron include green vegetables, nuts, beans, lentils and wholegrains.
5. Stop the stress - stress often leaves you feeling energy-less and drained, so it's important to address the root cause- whether that's work, relationships or money. Build relaxation time into your day- a quick strategy is simply a few minutes of mindful breathing, taking slow deep breaths and focusing on nothing but inhale, exhale.

How do you deal with winter tiredness? 

Beki x