As we approach the end of British summer time, winter is officially on the way and we're only a stones throw away from those darker mornings, and evenings.

This time of the year can be difficult for many of us, those early morning wake up calls suddenly feel a bit harder, and the lack of vitamin D we feel on our skin can lead to some of us being affected by (SAD) Seasonal Aid Disorder.

As winter encroaches us, the darkness can sometimes feel all consuming, but with artificial lights, and other coping mechanisms, this time of the year just needs a bit of adjustment.

Let's explore 7 ways to beat the clocks-go-back blues to help you thrive this winter!

1.High CRI Lighting

CRI (Colour Rendering Index) is a measure of how accurately artificial light represents the colour of objects compared to natural light; the higher the CRI the better the replication of natural daylight. 

Alarmingly, the market is dominated by low 82 CRI LED downlights which means too many of us are living with inadequate amounts of illumination.

This artificial light that we surround ourselves with is hugely detrimental for productivity, health and mood. Extensive research proves the remarkable positive mental and physical health benefits of daylight.

In 2020, we launched a beautiful range of high CRI downlights which achieve a market-leading rating of 95-97 CRI, available in a range of beautiful finishes for your home.

High CRI lights can help to boost productivity, and your mood. A must have to beat those clocks-go-back blues!

2. Flexibile Lighting

Installing a dimmer switch with your lighting setup gives you total control over your lighting.

Flexible lighting is key in such rooms as the living room, bathroom and kitchen where the role of the room changes throughout the day.

During the winter, you're likely going to need full brightness in the mornings to carry out tasks. Whilst in the evening when you're relaxing, you may want to create mood lighting by dimming the lighting to a softer, more ambient level.

3. Embrace Natural Light

SAD is often linked to reduced exposure to natural light, something that we could all do with more of during the winter. This is the result of more time spent inside, and the bad weather that often follows with it.

It's important to continue to get as much sunlight during this period of time as possible, as it has significant impact on your mood and the other symptoms associated with SAD.

If you can't always get outside each day, focus on getting natural light inside too. Position your chair or desk near a window for maximum sunlight, and even 5 minutes outside in the garden getting some fresh air and sunlight can help to boost your mood.

4. Eat Well

When the darker nights draw in, comfort eating is something that many of us indulge in. Whilst comfort eating gives us those initial happy chemicals, it's a short boost that doesn't last, and it can leave us feeling lethargic, tired and with a low mood.

Eating well is so important during this period of time, it can help to give us more energy, boost our mood and help to keep our immune system in good standing.

It might not feel like it at the time, but reaching for a healthier option does help in the long run.

5. Get Outside More

We know that natural light is good for us, and our moods, but getting our bodies moving is beneficial too.

You don't just need to wait for the perfect weather day to enjoy a brisk walk, investing in a good raincoat and boots will allow you to get outside whatever the weather during the winter.

Head out for a walk, bike ride or join a friend on a dog walk. Getting your body moving more teamed with natural daylight is a huge mood booster.

6. Artificial Light Boxes

Light therapy is a recommended method for combatting SAD. Artificial light boxes are designed to simulate sunlight, thus helping to trigger a release of serotonin in the brain, the happy chemicals.

These are usually used 2 hours over a day, and can be used as alarm clocks to help you naturally wake up during the winter.

There is mixed results about the effectiveness of them, but they are a lifeline for a lot of people, whether they suffer from the symptoms of SAD or not.

7. Embrace The Cosiness

Let's face it, the darkness is here, so let's embrace it! Focus on creating cosy, inviting pockets of happiness in this time, and practice the art of Hygge!

Hygge is a Danish word, or feeling that doesn't directly translate into English. It's a feeling that would be something like... Sitting in a cosy living room nook, with a hot water bottle, hot chocolate in hand, listening to the rain falling against the winter, perfection.

Hot chocolates and hot water bottles aside, introduce soft, subtle levels of lighting for the evenings, this can include having your lighting on a dimmer switch and dimming to a softer level. Lighting your favourite candles, draping fairy lights around your room and adding in floor lanterns.

Don't forget the cosy throws and cushions for a truly cosy, hygge experience this winter.

Armed with these clocks-go-back methods for coping, we hope you'll be able to embrace the darkness that comes with this season, and enjoy it too!

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