So Autumn is well and truly here and the clocks go back again tonight. It's nice to have an extra hour in bed when the days are wet and windy but what about those people in and around Abergavenny who suffer from SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder, or wintertime blues as my auntie used to say?
For many, the autumnal equinox and the end of British Summer Time is a time of year when they're just glad to get a bit of extra daylight in the mornings, but for others the increasingly dark evenings are tough to take and for some it can result in real difficulty in staying cheerful and positive. So what remedies are out there for this SAD-ness?
Well, it's a known fact that exercise is a certain helper for fighting depression of any sort so even if you're tempted to stick yourself down in front of the telly with a packet of chocolate biscuits, try fighting the urge and instead get out and enjoy the autumn colours, sights and smells. Or simply bite the bullet and get down to the gym or leisure centre and work up a sweat. You'll be glad you did, and so will your waistline.
If you feel in need of a bit of pampering, maybe you could treat yourself to a beauty treatment, a relaxing massage or a new hair-do. Visit http://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/abergavenny/business-guide/beauty-salons and http://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/abergavenny/business-guide/hairdressers to see what's on offer locally.
If you can't afford a professional's attention perhaps a friend will agree to do a swop with you? A facial or change of hair colour would help to cheer yourself up. A wash-in temporary colour in a warm russet shade or a warm blonde hue may only cost a few pounds over the counter but it could make for a fun evening in with a friend or relative; you can do each other's hair and share a glass or two of something warming and cheering.
If all else fails a herbal remedy may do the trick - many people swear by St Johns Wort or other seratonin boosters to get them through the winter. Pop into your local healthfood store for advice or see a GP for a check up. And don't forget, Christmas is just around the corner so come into town and get that shopping done. Mixing with people can do the trick too - you never know who you might bump into!
See http://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/abergavenny/business-guide/popular/shopping for a taste of what the town has to offer. Take care!