Politics
What Is Apricity And How Does It Affect Us
If this winter has felt particularly miserable and like an utter slog, it’s because we have been missing out on some crucial ‘apricity’; that feeling of the warmth of the winter sun beating down on us.
It makes sense, really. While we may be used to waking up and coming home in the dark during the colder months, we are often lifted by some bright, sunny days (even if it is freezing cold). But given that it hasn’t stopped raining for months, our days have been largely dark and dull.
Even for summer haters like myself, a lack of bright sunny days can certainly take its toll on wellbeing.
We need winter sun to keep us elevated
During winter in the UK, we are often deprived of sunlight. So much so that vitamin D supplements are recommended to all UK residents between April and October by the government because, of course, the body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors.
Action Mental Health explains that when sunlight is in short supply during winter, “many experience a dip in vitamin D which leads them to feel sluggish, decreases mood and causes disruptions to their normal sleep schedule”.
As a result, it recommends that people find pockets of sunlight whenever possible, and step outside to take it in when the sun does show its face in winter.
What do we do when there is no sun?
Well… get your wellies on. Karen Clarke, of Natural Resources Wales, spoke to the BBC about embracing walking, even on damp days, and said: “You’ve got the sound, the sensation of [rain] hitting your face, it’s very relaxing…
“It’s the social aspect as well. If you’re out in your local community, your local green spaces or maybe a bit further afield, you get those social benefits of seeing other people, having a chat with them, saying hello.”
Well, it’s not like we don’t have raincoats…
Help and support:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
- CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.