Feeling the winter blues…. With Christmas only four weeks away and the short dark days fully upon us. Many of us can suffer from SAD seasonal affective disorder. We can feel tired and lethargic and our moods can be on the low side. The lack of day light can have a significant effect on our hormones. There can be an increase in the "sleepy" hormone melatonin and a decrease in the "happy" hormone serotonin;  our body clock feels "out of sorts". Spending as much time out doors will really help to balance this situation, as will exercise, as the increase in endorphins will lift the spirits. A brisk walk in your local park at lunchtime, when the light is at its best, will have a really positive effect. So avoid the mad shopping crowds and get walking!