November always appears to me to be the calm before the storm. Well that’s if you discount Guy Fawkes at the beginning, which is about as loud a day as you can make it.
It is the month when traditionally I take into account what will happen in December and then figure out the year ahead.
I am writing lists for Christmas cards and Christmas presents that I will need to buy. I am writing shopping lists and deciding how to accommodate all sets of parents and grandparents and children. It is the month when I am longing for sunshine and see only months of bare trees and mud ahead. ….. OK that’s sounding a bit gloomy, so let’s jazz up the negative with a positive spin. November is the beginning of reflection, it is the time to straddle the old and the new, it is about letting go and moving forward, it is the transitional point from one year to the next when everything will seem possible and there is still time to plan for it. Sounds good doesn’t it?
So how can we remain positive when we feel a bit of the blues or SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) or a seasonal dip coming on?
SAD is a well-known disorder that surprisingly effects 40% of us. Mostly these symptoms sound like a combination of stress and the natural tendency of an animal preparing for hibernation. However, if you are craving foods that are carb based and sugary and putting weight on this is one of the signs. If you are avoiding company, feeling blue or are lacking energy despite oversleeping, these are also signs associated with SAD.
If you are the hibernating sort, wanting to sleep all the time, then one great and very effective solution is to install a lamp with artificial sunlight into your day room. It encourages the brain to use less melatonin and stimulates serotonin. Thus stopping you feeling sleepy and sad respectively.
BACH remedies are also wonderful for this disorder. I often use Rescue Remedy a well-known BACH remedy for all sorts of stressful situations. I have even given it to plants and animals that seem out of sorts. There is a mix called 92 which can see you through the winter and lift your spirits.
To help yourself, try to make warm, spicy soups that are satisfying and comforting in taste. Turmeric, chilli and cinnamon are all warming and wonderful to add to your food. Barley, rice or split peas and butterbeans added to soups, stews and stuffed vegetables for a more carb feel are all very satisfying. If you are concerned about your weight, raw cauliflower raw blended can fool the eyes and the brain that you are eating a white rice meal.
During this month we will introduce you to some spices which can be used to create ‘comfort’ in your food.
