Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): What It Is, Symptoms, and Ways to Cope

As the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, many people notice changes in their mood, energy levels, and motivation. For some, this shift feels deeper than just “winter blues”. If you’ve ever felt persistently low during the darker months, you may have wondered whether Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) could be the reason.

If that’s you, you’re not alone, and you’re certainly not failing. SAD is a recognised type of depression, and help is available. So please don't feel like you have to continue feeling the way you do without help or support. 

This post is here to gently explain what SAD is, the symptoms to look out for, and how to identify it its winter blues or something more serious, such as SAD, with some practical steps that may help you feel more supported during the tougher seasons.

Ah yes… another one of those New Year posts

You know the ones.

The “new year, new me”, “this is my year”, “I’ve reflected, journaled, and suddenly have my life together” kind of posts.

So yes… this is another one of those New Year posts.
But also… it really isn’t.

Because if I’m being completely honest, 2025 was a bit rubbish in more ways than I wish to care for!

And I don’t mean the “oh, it was busy, but we got through it” kind of rubbish. I mean the kind where you discover friends you thought were your ride or dies have disappeared, and you are forced to cut out family for your own mental health. The kind where you have cried far more than you ever thought you would, and slowly realise you’ve let yourself go in just about every way possible, physically, mentally, emotionally… all of it.

I’ve shown up for everyone else while quietly running on empty. I’ve survived rather than lived, and barely at that. There have been nights when I have lain in bed not wanting to go to sleep purely because I couldn't face waking up for another morning. And if there was an award for holding it together on the outside while falling apart internally, I’d have at least been shortlisted.

Recently, I read a quote that stopped me in my tracks. It said something along the lines of "I have sat at tables I should never have even pulled a chair out for," and honestly, I felt that in my bones.

It reminded me of something I keep forgetting:
It’s actually okay to focus on myself sometimes.
I don’t always have to make everyone else happy at my own detriment.

Wild concept, I know, because I know so many of you will feel the same way as me! 

So… moving forward into 2026

From Moving House to a New Baby: How to Spend Responsibly on Big Family Changes

**Collaborative Post**

Sooner or later, every family hits a big milestone. It could be moving house, preparing for a new baby, changing jobs, or expanding your household. And these events inevitably require you to make some big purchases. If you think that time may be coming for you soon, it may be the time to make some smart buying choices! However, the emotional and stressful side of these shifts makes it easy to get swept up in the urgency of it all. 

To take control of costs during these big family moments, here are some simple, realistic ways to plan ahead so that large expenses feel manageable rather than overwhelming.

From Goal-Setting to Expert Help: How to Remain Healthy During your Weight Loss Journey

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If you’re starting a weight loss journey, it can feel daunting and new; you’re likely experiencing a mix of feelings, and that is totally normal. You’ll likely be feeling determined, yet perhaps also overwhelmed by the challenges and all the new lingo, recipes, and adaptations you might need to make ahead. There’s a lot of advice online, and much of it is conflicting, so it can be easy to lose sight of what will really support your long-term health. 

From nutrition guidance through to ideas on how to move, here are some practical, sustainable steps that you can take to protect both your physical and mental wellbeing, so you can build good weight loss habits that last rather than chasing the latest quick fix and losing the same few pounds over and over again. 

Starting Something New: Key Things To Consider When Taking Up A New Sport

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Deciding to take up a new sport is an exciting step. Whether you’re lacing up your boots for five-a-side football, joining a local running club, making a splash at a swim club, dusting off a cricket bat or giving netball or rugby a go for the first time, starting fresh can feel both motivating and slightly daunting. While enthusiasm goes a long way, a little preparation can make the experience far more enjoyable and help you stick with it long term.

Here are some important things to consider when starting a new sport, whatever your age or fitness level.

Benefits Of Going On A Family Holiday In Winter

**Collaborative Post** 

Winter can be a challenging season for families. It’s full of wonderful moments, of course, but it also takes a fair bit of effort behind the scenes. As parents, we often find ourselves juggling work, school routines, and the pressure of keeping everyone entertained when the weather isn’t exactly on our side. While winter is undeniably shaped by the magic of Christmas and quality time spent together, it’s also marked by rain, grey skies, shorter days, longer nights, and steadily rising energy bills.

With all this in mind, and with the full acknowledgement that many of us feel we need a proper break after organising the festive period, it’s worth asking why we’re so inclined to save all our annual leave for a single summer holiday. Winter doesn’t end with Christmas; it stretches on for months afterwards, and an early-year escape from the gloom could be exactly what your family needs. If you’re not yet convinced, here are plenty of reasons to think again about a winter family getaway.

Promoting Fitness, Education, and Nutrition for Healthier Lives

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Physical activity is essential for children’s growth, development, and well-being. There are many ways children can do this, including using school outdoor gym equipment, which provides a safe and engaging way for students to exercise during breaks, PE classes, or after-school activities. Designed to accommodate a range of ages and abilities, these installations encourage cardiovascular fitness, strength, and coordination while fostering teamwork and social interaction.

Modern outdoor gym equipment for schools includes climbing frames, pull-up stations, balance trails, and multi-functional fitness circuits. Durable materials ensure that equipment withstands frequent use and varying weather conditions, providing a long-term investment in student health. By integrating outdoor fitness into school environments, children are encouraged to develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime. 

In addition to physical benefits, outdoor gym equipment promotes confidence, problem-solving skills, and collaborative play. Students learn to challenge themselves safely, set goals, and support peers in group exercises. Schools that invest in such equipment demonstrate a commitment to holistic education, combining academic learning with physical and social development.

Christmas Gift Guide for Those Tricky to Buy for Grown Ups!

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Buying Christmas gifts for adults can feel like a mission in itself, especially when they insist they “don’t need anything” or claim they’re “just happy with socks”! If you’ve got a partner, parent, sibling, or friend who’s impossible to buy for, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I’ve put together this guide: a hand-picked collection of thoughtful, practical, and delightfully unexpected gifts that will actually make them smile. 

From foodie treats to stylish accessories and clever little essentials, these ideas are here to take the stress out of shopping and help you find something they’ll genuinely love (even if they pretend they don’t want a thing!).