Welcoming Winter

We’re well into October. How we got here this quickly remains a mystery and one I seem to ask myself every year as time whizzes by. I don’t know about you, but as we come into Autumn, I realise that there is only one quarter of the year left in which to achieve the list of things I set out in January. I really had better get my skates on.

A significant event that comes up this time of year (apart from my birthday, the importance of which goes without saying) is the changing of the clocks. How do you feel when the clocks alter and we enter those darker days? Are you ready to hunker down, feel cosy and embrace the shorter days and longer evenings? Or do you dread the fading of the light and the oncoming winter gloom?

I’m in the latter camp sadly. I’m outnumbered in my house as Mr. Kelsall is A Huge Fan of Christmas (age never diminishes his childlike enthusiasm) and is in preparation mode from late August onwards. The winter darkness signifies these things to him……..a decorated tree, a yule log and a tipple of sherry. Dear daughter is 16 and spends a lot of her life in darkness anyway. But I am really not keen on winter. If we have cold, crisp sunny days I am grateful.

However, much as I dislike the darker months, I can take them in my stride. But for many people, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real issue which can affect day to day living. Yesterday was World Mental Health Day so it seems opportune to think about how we can take some action to help overcome those feelings of tiredness, stress and low mood. Or maybe help out a friend or relative who finds the murkier months a struggle.

And I’ll emphasise here that my feelings about winter make me a bit tired, sometimes fed up and looking forward to brighter days ahead. Those who have SAD have a type of depression that can sometimes lead to irritability, low self-esteem, tearfulness, stress and anxiety, indecisiveness and even feelings of despair. It can be successfully treated by light therapy, CBT or anti-depressants but it is completely different to just having a case of the ‘winter blues’.

But what we can do, whether we feel a bit mopey or have a SAD diagnosis, is turn to our homes to help get us through those darker months. Here are a few tips:

• Maximise light

As winter draws in, a lack of sunlight can cause the brain to produce too much of the sleep hormone melatonin and less of the ‘feel-good’ hormone, serotonin. This can affect mood and our internal body clocks. Maximising light indoors may go some way to combatting this. Consider your window treatments. Are they blocking natural light during the day? Hanging a large mirror opposite a window can help light bounce around a room. Consider moving a chair nearer a window or maybe create a window seat if you can to encourage sitting in a light filled space.

Buying a lightbox can also help provide that vital light the brain needs. There is some evidence to suggest that using a lightbox for 20-30 minutes a day can trick the brain into thinking it has received more natural daylight.

• Re-arrange you space and de-clutter

If you have the space to move things around, give it a go. When the flow through your house is impeded by furniture it can lead to inconvenience and feelings of frustration. When you’re trying to reduce anxiety you need the space to work without annoying barriers. De-cluttering can also be beneficial. That doesn’t mean getting rid of things necessarily, just storing them more efficiently so that distracting clutter isn’t always in view.

Colour

I’ve written about colour before and studies show its use can have a psychological effect. You might want to utilise some warmer tones, brighten a dark room or use calming and relaxing shades. Whatever your choice, it really is worth researching your colour selections well. Or ask me to help you!

• Lighting

Lighting is so often overlooked when people design a room, yet it can have a massive impact on how a space makes you feel. If you ensure you are receiving plenty of natural light during the day, evening time is when you can create snug and cosy spaces with low-level lighting. Where you place lights and lamps in a room can alter its whole ambience and flickering candle light can bring a sensation of calm.

Nature

Bringing houseplants into your home also brings raised oxygen levels which can help with mood and productivity. Greenery and flowers can be calming and make people happier by forging a connection with the outside world. (Any tips on keeping houseplants are welcome. There is a low houseplant survival rate in my house). Biophilic design is a love for nature incorporated in built environments with greenery and natural elements and is something I’ll explore in a future blog.

• Bit and bobs

One of the best ways to create a home you enjoy is to make sure it represents you, your personality and what is important to you. Have your favourite artwork on the walls. Display photographs and accessories that you love or have a personal meaning or memory attached. Maybe enlarge some best-loved photographs and frame them, especially if they are of a wonderful summer holiday or beautiful scenic view. Images of the natural world can have a calming effect. Items that trigger happy memories are lovely to have around.

If you need any help or advice on getting your home winter ready, please get in touch. I’m happy to help with room layout, colour choices, lighting or all of the above. And don’t forget, spring will soon arrive with its lighter days, fresh shoots and new life. I’m off to stop Mr. Kelsall from purchasing more Christmas baubles…….

Emma x

Emma Kelsall Interiors