As the days grow shorter, colder, and darker, many people start to feel the effects of the winter months on their mood and energy levels. Does this resonate with you? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that hits during the winter, affecting your mood, sleep, energy, and even causing anxiety. You might feel sluggish, irritable, or just not quite yourself. But did you know that osteopathy can support both your mental and physical wellbeing during these challenging months?
If you’re feeling more anxious or down as winter sets in, you’re not alone. Winter’s impact on our bodies and minds can be tough, but there’s plenty you can do to combat the effects. Let’s explore how osteopathy can help keep you feeling balanced, and how small changes at home can support your mental and physical health.
Why do we feel so low during winter?
It’s not just the grey skies or the cold that can affect us, winter can actually trigger physical changes in your body. With less sunlight, your brain produces more melatonin, which can make you feel tired and groggy. Less sunlight also means lower serotonin levels, which affects your mood. These shifts, combined with the pressure of juggling everyday life, can lead to anxiety and stress. For many, these symptoms overlap with musculoskeletal pain, such as headaches, neck tension, and muscle aches.
This is where osteopathy steps in. Osteopathic treatment can offer a holistic approach to managing the physical symptoms of SAD, anxiety, and stress by addressing tension in your body and promoting overall wellbeing.
How can osteopathy help you this winter?
Osteopathy doesn’t just target muscle pain – it’s about improving the balance between your body and mind. Many people don’t realise how connected our physical and mental health really is. When we’re stressed, anxious, or feeling down, our bodies respond with tension, headaches, digestive issues, and more.
An osteopath can use gentle techniques to:
- Release tight muscles that may be contributing to your headaches, shoulder, and neck tension.
- Ease tension in the thoracic spine (where the fight-or-flight response is located) to help calm the nervous system.
- Boost circulation and mobility, giving you more energy and relieving those winter aches.
Regular osteopathic treatments can also help improve your sleep quality and reduce stress by encouraging the body to relax, ultimately leading to a calmer, more grounded state of mind.
Simple tips for coping at home
While osteopathy is a great way to support your body, there are also small things you can do at home to keep the winter blues at bay. Here are a few practical tips to try:
- Get moving
Movement is key during the winter months, especially when you feel sluggish. Gentle stretches or yoga can help release built-up tension in your back and shoulders, areas that often hold anxiety. A simple stretch for the neck and upper back can make a big difference – try stretching your arms above your head, then gently tilt your neck from side to side to release tightness. - Breathing exercises
Feeling overwhelmed? Deep breathing can help reduce anxiety, calm your mind, and relax your muscles. Here’s a technique you can do anywhere:
- Sit comfortably with your feet on the floor and your back straight
- Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, and then exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 counts
- Repeat this for 5 minutes to help lower your heart rate and release tension.
- Light therapy
Since SAD is often triggered by the lack of sunlight, a lightbox or light therapy can help. Sitting near a lightbox for just 20-30 minutes a day can mimic natural sunlight, boosting your serotonin levels and helping improve your mood.
Let’s talk about your mental wellbeing
While osteopathy can alleviate physical symptoms, it’s essential to address your mental health too. Simple practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, or journalling can go a long way in managing anxiety and keeping your mood in check. Regular osteopathic treatments can complement these practices by helping you feel more physically balanced, which can in turn support a more positive mental state.
How do you usually manage stress and anxiety during the winter months? Have you noticed how physical tension creeps in when your mind feels overwhelmed?
If you’re struggling with anxiety, low mood, or seasonal aches and pains, I’d love to support you. Get in touch with Enfield Osteopathic Clinic today for a free consultation and see how osteopathy can help you feel more relaxed, grounded, and ready to take on the winter months.
