A considerable amount of Finnish people feel fatigue, loss or an increase in their appetite, a more negative attitude towards life etc. during the autumn. We talk about is as something that should be fixed, seasonal depression. A seasonal depression can be healed with light since the absence of light seems to be the reason behind it. Me however, have a different theory behind why we suddenly behave like this during the autumnal darkness. I personally think that people are meant to have a hibernation period just like many other animals, but we are ignoring this natural need of ours and seeing it as a problem. It isn't the same as with animals of course but I think we do have this natural need to slow down. This doesn't mean that it would be suddenly okay to throw away ones healthy lifestyle but it means that you might need some more sleep and perhaps crave more sweets but you don't have to act upon it. My point is that it happens naturally and there is nothing wrong with you for experiencing it, you are not a problem. So what if you sleep in one morning it is just one morning.

I think we should be compassionate regarding our bodies and their needs. Not everything needs to be about mind over body and trying to fight away all human aspects of oneself. We should be seeing this "hibernation of humans" as something that is okay to have. I think genes also play a big role regarding how you will survive winter. I have so "old" genes since I'm partly inuit that I have this connection with my body and nature. If nature changes my body changes. It is not always fun and it doesn't fit into modern society but my point is that we are walking around ignoring our human side, the side of us that isn't really ready for this fast paced modern life and our bodies are trying to tell us just that. Yet, we keep seing everything human about us as a problem or diagnosis instead of seing it as something that is really very normal.

So if you are like me having to deal with this seasonal fatigue and modern life together then try to not be so hard on yourself. Try to organize your work and studies so that you aren't doing to much on a daily basis, instead work a little everyday and take pauses in between. My greatest tip is probably taking naps. Even if you don't normally take naps you might want to, during your seasonal fatigue. And again be kind to yourself. This feeling doesn't mean that you are lazy or unmotivated or sick in someway, it simply means that your body is trying to adapt because the season just changed or is currently changing and for your body it really is a big deal. Something that also could help with the feeling of hopelessness that often tags along with the tiredness is having something to look forward to, whether it is meeting a friend, waiting for Christmas or having an upcoming trip planned - these are all great ways to keep your spirit bright! And we all know that when your mind stays happy, your body feels it too.

I hope this helps someone out there whom feels understood after reading this! I've probably spent hours trying to find an article written in a compassionate perspective regarding the topic but I couldn't really find one, which is why I wrote one myself. Mine is supposed to be less scientific and more understanding. So if science is what you seek for there are plenty of great sources of that elsewhere. So everyone; don't beat yourself up due to tiredness, this is just one period in your life and it will pass. You are fine. You are okay. Sleep if you need to sleep. Eat if you need to eat. Exercise if you need to exercise. Your body knows what it needs.

PS. Feel free to share your advice on how one survives winter!

❤: Rebecka

Hey! I've recently read a lot of "10 facts about me" - posts and because I love reading them so much I'm gonna write one myself. It might not be the exact tone I usually have when writing here but maybe someone will like it! This style of writing reminds me of those books everyone brought to school in the early 00's where they would ask their friends to fill out a page with questions on their favorite things etc. Those were always called something like "my friends". Anyways this is a very VSCO girl post compared to my "serious posts" but hope some will find it interesting!

1. I'm an empath to the point that it becomes almost too much to handle

I frequently find myself answering someone by saying; "I understand". And I mostly do but very often this need of understanding is in conflict with my own values. I try to remind myself that if I don't understand someone or something it's okay and I can leave it like that.

2. I'm a nature person

I'm not a pro at hiking and camping but I do get a lot of enjoyment from those activities and try to do it as much as possible. At the very least I take a walk in nature.

3. I believe that people are made for walking

This is something most of you might know but I thought that I would still include it here. I don't think that all of us should own a car, instead I truly believe we humans are made for using our own feet as a form of transport. Therefore I think walking should be made easier through certain changes in infrastructure. I also think that people should share a ride with the help of apps like Taxify.

4. I don't really like cake or lemonade

Never really had a burning desire to consume either of these two. Their okay during a Birthday but that's about it for me. I have my own treats.

5. I have a strong desire to be alone and handle things on my own which sometimes feels like a burden

Sometimes it feels amazing to know your own limits and at other times you feel that your limits are getting in your way.

6. I believe in past lives and I do think those lives reflect the way we are today

This is something I love to discuss with my friends, one of my favorite topics to be honest.

7. I've changed my worldview many times

Due to age and experience mostly.

8. I took 205 courses in upper secondary school

Difficult to believe but still the truth. But how I got there wasn't beautiful. I worked almost day and night, even during the weekends.

9. I love sleeping maybe even a bit too much

Sometimes I find myself asleep in very strange places.

10. I eat cashew nuts everyday

The are so freaking delicious!

/Rebecka

Before I fell asleep in the bus.

Happy Holiday Season! ❄️

I wish I could hug all of you who read my posts, like them, send me messages thank you so so much ❤️ Especially when life gives you lemons all kinds of positive messages and appreciation helps. Therefore, I will try to help as many of you this Christmas with this post. So let's get on to it shall we?

These past couple of days I've just enjoyed the company of my friends. It's honestly the best mindfulness to talk to a friend because you forget everything else around you and stay present in the moment! Also can we talk about how everything you eat taste better in good company? Even salad that might sometimes seem boring. But today I'm going to address another type of important relationship to be more exact: the relationship between family members during Christmas.

Christmas is that one time of the year when it is socially acceptable to relax and spend time with friends and family. However for many the reality is different. I don't know if it is because relatives don't see each other often or if they feel forced to spend Christmas together or whatever the reason might be, but many family members actually ruin Christmas for someone in their own family. I think it is about time to start talking about this "little" problem. The person is different depending on the family, but there often seems to be that one person who believes it's their job to make sure that someone makes the right choices in life. In Christmas movies it's often the aunt who loves you very much but haunts you with questions and comments like; "You should really get yourself a proper job, the one you have now is not good for you" "That person you dated was awful! You know there are many great people around here, may I introduce you to one of them?" And when you get annoyed their reply is "I just want what's best for you" and deep down you know that what they just told you isn't the best for you.

My request to all of you out there is: Why can't we spend The holidays by giving each other space in order for us all to relax? I gurantee that everyone will enjoy Christmas much more if they are given the chance to just be. Keep this in mind as we are getting closer and closer to Christmas.

❤️:Rebecka