Support for autumn lockdown

[CherryCherries]

I have posted this on chat because I don't want it to be too be supportive but not too serious in any debate.

I will be working during the forthcoming lockdown in a school but I'm worrying already about my mental health.

I suffer from depression which I take medication for and each year suffer from SAD. The last lockdown was spring and light and nice weather. This time it's dark, wet and gloomy.

So to not let myself go downhill, I want to do a thread where we can share ideas on staying healthy, lifting our spirits and not getting down about it all...

Sorry that made no sense. I want it to be supportive and not too serious in debate..

Looking ahead, RED January launches tomorrow for signing up.
Getting outdoors every day helps, no matter how grim the weather.
(Not daring to think about the possibility of self isolating...)

I have pots planted up with winter pansies and spring bulbs. They are something concrete to be cheerful and to look forwards to.

I have already upgraded on winter coats and boots. I was already fed up of multiple drenchings each day during school runs on most days of the previous school year!

What's Red January?

Get your vitamin D supplement if you’ve not already

SAD can be connected to low Vit D in winter and none of us in the UK get enough without supplementing

You need 4000IU a day, which Is the equivalent of 30 mins in the sun

Vitamin d on list ✅

@CherryCherries

What's Red January?

It originally stood for Run Every Day and is organised by Mind. It's been tweaked to Realistic Exercise Daily. I aim to run most days and do some outdoor exercise ever day. It does give me a focus to get through one of the hardest months of the year.

I dusted off the SAD light today. Will start to have it on during the dull dark mornings.

Do SAD lights really make a difference?