Wellbeing with Carly
Seasons
This photo makes me laugh... yes I once dressed up as a telly tubby. It was part of an elaborate game that we played with the youth theatre that I was involved with. So when I see it, it brings me joy. However it was taken years ago. Many seasons have passed since then. Some that were joyous, happy seasons, and some that weren't.
We need a little of both.
A quote that I use often is "Life is like a rainbow. It takes both the sunshine and the rain to make a rainbow." Im not sure who said it, but I like it. So at times I ask my students, "What are some of your rainy moments?" and "What are some of your sunshiney moments?" Because they both shape us. In fact, sometimes we learn and grow the most, during our rainy (challenging) seasons.
There might be only four seasons each year in terms of the weather, (sometimes we witness them all in one day here in Melbourne) however there are several different seasons that we travel through in life. Birthdays and other celebrations, big milestones, grief and loss, and all sorts of change... Learning how to navigate these seasons, and how to care for ourselves along the way, is so important.
Did you know?
- Our moods can be affected by the weather. When exposed to less sunlight, your body produces more melatonin, the hormone which makes you feel sleepy. And just as your body begins craving mid-day naps, your brain begins producing lower levels of serotonin — the neurotransmitter that affects our mood.
- Cold temperatures reduce sensory feedback, dexterity, muscle strength, blood flow, and balance, which can impact your performance of complex physical tasks. Does that initial morning chill ever leave you feeling completely unmotivated?
- Wintery days and rain often leave people feeling like they want to bunker down and hibernate, isolating themselves from community.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression which is seasonally linked. Nearly 3 million Australians live with depression or anxiety. Only 35 percent of those people will access treatment.
The importance of self-care: There are a number of different things that you can do to look after yourself.
- Listen to yourself. We often know what we need, but do not always allow ourselves time to do it. Pay attention to the physical signs that you get from your body. If your body is telling you to rest, then rest. If you have been giving so much to others, it might be time to do something for yourself.
- Prioritize. No one can do it all and trying is just going to land you in a world of distress and disappointment. Take time to prioritize your day and be ready to let go of much of your to do list. Focus on what’s most important to you and accept that you can’t do everything.
- Go for a walk. Researchers found that people who spent at least 30 minutes outside during periods of pleasant weather reported improved mood, memory, and openness to new information and creative thoughts. Even if it's cold outside, if you see the sun shining make it a point to get up from your desk and take a brisk 30-minute walk during your lunch break — you'll find that your afternoons will become increasingly more productive.
It is ok to ask for help: There are things that we can do for our self, and then there are times when we need to remember that it is ok to ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed don’t be afraid to ask others for help. Allowing another to help you not only takes some of the burden off of you, it can also give them an opportunity to express their goodwill towards you and feel valued in the process. There are also organisations such as Beyond Blue – Call 1300 22 4636 or jump on their website www.beyondblue.org.au or Lifeline – Call 13 11 14 or their website www.lifeline.org.au
“Affirmations are our mental vitamins, providing the supplementary positive thoughts we need to balance the barrage of negative events and thoughts we experience daily.”
Carly Cassidy – Wellbeing Officer [ carly.cassidy@education.vic.gov.au ]
Pastoral Care for the BPS Community, available Thursdays and Fridays