Depending on your specific condition seasonal changes can make a huge difference to chronic illness both physically and mentally. Some people may even experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is a type of depression that is essentially affected by the seasons of the year. Before I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, ME/CFS and UCTD I was told I had SAD because I struggle predominately more in the autumn/winter months. I know now the reason for this was because the colder months made my conditions worse and therefore my mood lower. Although I do not have SAD as such I have found that some of the techniques I used in preparation of the colder darker months can help with chronic illness.

Preparation is key so in terms of my own experiences I am quite late as I normally feel the impact October onwards, so I would aim to start getting ready September time, but here we are mid October and I am only just beginning never mind!

Please note if you do suffer with SAD specifically then contact your doctor for more advice and information.

My first step on my action plan is to organise my winter drawer. Quite simply I select a drawer (or 2!) in my cupboard and a section in my wardrobe and fill it with my essential winter items. Items include jumpers, socks, tights, ear muffs, thermal tops and my most favourite item a bobble hat. Bigger items may include onesies, dressing gown, slipper boots, (although I wear these all year round), and hot water bottles. By having the items ready I don’t have to worry about finding them when the seasons hit and it is easier to throw things on without any debating when I am feeling not so great.

My second step is to organise myself. I do this by putting together some type of diary of course this would be helpful all year round, but I do find in the colder months my ability to stick to things wanes significantly as my symptoms affect me more. You can do this to record dates of importance, but to also plan things coming up to manage your energy levels more effectively. You can do this with a regular diary, an electronic version, or even a large wallchart/calendar. This year I have opted for an online calendar in order to plan any blogging bits I want to do which will not only help me manage my energy, but hopefully keep me motivated.

My third step is to brighten up my living space. Whilst there are many amazing things to enjoy about the autumn/winter months they can be quite dark, cold and often wet months, (in the UK anyway!), so I find it important to inject colour into my life in other ways. I do this by bringing out my colourful accessories and furnishings and things that remind me of warmer climates. Cue the orange and yellow cushions and the beach pictures!

My fourth step is to plan how I am going to get more natural light. Being chronically ill it can be difficult to get out the house at the best of times, but especially when it cold and wet. Whilst at this stage my plan is to have a short walk every few days to soak up the light the reality is that may become difficult. Other ways of dealing with this is for me to reposition my spot in the living room so I am sat next to windows, make sure my curtains are thinner to get more light in my room and to set up my sunrise/sunset alarm clock to help me with getting to sleep and waking up.

UPDATE – My sunrise clock is not working even after changing the bulb arghhh!

My fifth step is to look at the positives of the seasons. As I already mentioned the autumn/winter months have a multitude of amazing things about them, so it is important to remember it is not the seasons themselves that are the problem – it is the lack of light and warmth. The colours of autumn are beautiful and there are many things to look forward to regardless of how much energy I want to contribute to them. Events such as Halloween, Bonfire Night and my most favourite time of year Christmas – even though my body may be struggling they are great things to focus my mind on. If the winter is a real problem it may be an idea to start doing little bits for Christmas now, so it doesn’t become too overwhelming nearer the time.

So here you have it my 5 step action plan for the seasonal changes. Other things to consider are freezing meals, taking up a new indoor hobby, light therapy boxes (make sure to always do your research), eliminating stress as much as possible and the usual suspects in monitoring your diet and exercise pattern.

Remember the more you prepare now, the less pressure you will put on yourself later!