Here’s a heads up, the clocks went back on 25th of October 2015 and while it signals darker morning and nightly commutes (boo!), it also translates into an hour extra in bed (yay!). The bad news: the gloomy days can alter your circadian rhythm and throw your body into a temporary period of cognitive slowing, and mood spins caused by lower-than-normal serotonin levels. The good news? Here’s our plan to making the most of the winter months – now who doesn’t love cashmere jumpers and warming comfort food?

TRY: THE SUNSHINE SUPPLEMENT
Vitamin D is the obvious choice when it gets darker, but give 5-HTP a whirl. It comes from a type of protein called tryptophan (also found in turkey and chickpeas), which can aid sleep and which the body converts to the happy hormone serotonin. Pop two before bed to boost your levels and wake up smiling – even if it is still dark outside.

TRY: A LIGHTEN UP
A light box packed with bright white fluorescent bulbs can elevate your serotonin levels and reset your internal clock to a more summery schedule. Position the tech just above your eyeline, angled downward and put it on for about 30 minutes each morning. Go for a high intensity 10,000 lux bulb for the best results.

TRY: TO RUN IT OFF
Lower temperatures can make the morning glue that holds you to your mattress feel slightly stickier than usual.  But resisting the urge to snooze to get sweaty does more good than just whittling your waistline. Research from The Journals of Gerontology revealed that just 60 minutes of daily indoor cardio was just as effective as light therapy in swerving SAD.

TRY: TO COOL OFF
The prospect of a cold shower might make you want to retreat back under the duvet but exposure to cold has been found to activate your sympathetic nervous system and increase levels of mood-boosting noradrenaline according to the journal Medical Hypotheses. You’ll thank us later.