Where Mindfulness Meets Climate Action - Save Our Happy Place is a resource to help align your mindset, intentions, and actions to save the planet from climate change. Learn how to incorporate small, digestible acts while garnering accumulative impact, championing optimism, and maintaining “personal sustainability”, written by Lindsay Nunez.

The Longest Night

5 Tips to Regulate Your Nervous System this Winter Solstice

Good tidings on this winter solstice! As the darkness has slowly encroached on many of us in the Northern Hemisphere, we are exploring a few quick and easy ways to help regulate your nervous system by connecting with nature in the comfort of your home. Time in nature has been shown to support heart rate variability, inflammation, better sleep, cortisol regulation, autonomic nervous system balance, and reduce stress. But this can be hard to come by if it is already dark when you leave the office, if nighttime safety is a concern, or in extreme winter weather. This time of year is also notorious for an enclave of seasonal depression. This can affect how we show up for ourselves, our loved ones, and the planet.

Like all rhythms of nature, the deep darkness of winter is a necessary piece. Much of the beautiful fall foliage we clamor to see is a result of reduced sunlight. Getting lost in the dark can feel easy when the sun starts setting around 4 pm. I remind myself that it is only for a short season and should be embraced. This is the time to slow down, take a breather, and get cozy.

1. Embrace the Darkness: Embrace the darkness by turning off the overheadlights and lighting your favorite soy or beeswax candles. This sets the coziest mood and creates an environment conducive to meditation and self-reflection that is nice to partake in as we close the year.

2. Bring the Outdoors In: The presence of greenery has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Plants improve air quality and create a visually soothing environment, promoting relaxation. Give your indoor plants some extra love as we head into winter, or embrace the holiday tradition of decking the halls with evergreens.

   Sustainability Tip: Rosemary plants or potted evergreens can be kept year-round without cutting down a tree. You can also help divert Christmas tree clipping from landfills by asking for free clippings from tree stands.

3. Build an Ocean at Home: Take a salt bath. Salt baths consist of magnesium, which has the potential to enhance mood by boosting serotonin levels, thereby reducing stress. Additionally, Epsom salt may aid in regulating muscles and nerves. To experience these benefits, add two cups of salt to a warm bath and immerse yourself for 20 minutes.

4. Engage Your Senses: Incorporate your sense of smell by bringing natural scents into your home. Scents like lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus have calming properties that can help regulate the nervous system. Play nature sounds like the sound of flowing water, a campfire crackling, or rustling leaves can have a soothing effect on the nervous system.

5. Deck Your Halls: Surround yourself with natural textures and materials indoors. Embrace and make prominent any elements like wooden furniture, stone decorations, or soft fabrics to create a sensory experience that mimics the outdoors. These natural elements can contribute to a calming and grounding atmosphere, positively influencing your nervous system.