In this episode, we discuss the significance of the winter solstice, the impact of reduced sunlight on mental health, particularly seasonal affective disorder, and practical strategies to combat the winter blues. We talk about the importance of exercise, light therapy, and social interaction, while also exploring ancient cultural perspectives on the solstice as a time for reflection and renewal.

Thanks for listening 💙

Resources:

https://neurosciencenews.com/exercise-hormones-neuroscience-30054/

Winter Solstice

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice

https://www.silvotherapy.co.uk/articles/winter-solstice

https://theseasonalsoul.com/winter-solstice-meaning/

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/winter-solstice

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/things-to-do/solstice/what-is-the-winter-solstice/

https://exploredeeply.com/live-your-purpose/winter-solstice-spiritual-meaning

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/heres-why-the-winter-solstice-is-significant-in-cultures-across-the-world

https://www.sussex.ac.uk/broadcast/read/66596

https://www.britannica.com/science/winter-solstice

https://adventure.com/winter-solstice-meaning/

https://rebeccadouglas.co.uk/10-simple-and-beautiful-ways-to-celebrate-winter-solstice/

https://heartofenglandforest.org/news/celebrations-and-mysticism-winter-solstice

Seasonal Depression

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/tips-for-coping-with-sad/

https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/seasonal-affective-disorder

https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-winter-blues-and-self-care-tips-to-get-ahead-of-symptoms/2023/11

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/

https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/health-advice/how-to-combat-seasonal-affective-disorder/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20364722