Anyone who mentions Christmas before December is sure to draw my ire. The fists clench and the jaw tightens as the premature ‘countdown’ begins. The season of advent begins on the first of December and that is long enough. By this time the days are short and the nights are long, the temperature has dropped and we’re all wistful for those long summer days of barbecues and beach walks.
For those of us who love the outdoors it is a time of deprivation. We are deprived of light, of warmth and many of the creatures that either depart for warmer climes or take shelter underground until the cold has passed.
So the onset of winter is not something I look forward to and whilst once I was sceptical of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), I’m less so now. I do believe that existing depression or frustrations can be exacerbated by a lack of light and green exercise. That’s why I find it strange when people wish summer away into autumn.
Now don’t get me wrong, autumn has its merits. The changing colours, the ripe fruits ready for harvesting and cooler days perfect for us hikers. But an Indian summer or warm September will keep migrating birds here and the leaves will hang on the trees that bit longer. Most people are grateful for the delayed arrival of the cold weather. Even if you like the snow and ice, you don’t want a long, drawn out winter. Or if you do, you’ll have to explain to me why!
So walking along a railway path in early September, I find myself chasing the light. I need to immerse myself in it because despite the lingering warm air, the light obeys the rules of the seasons and it’s dark at 8.30. Similarly, as daybreak gets later the window of opportunity for fresh air before work or school is inevitably narrowing.
We don’t want to let our healthy summer habits drift. Can we be bothered to get up that bit earlier, put on that extra layer and do some walking,running or cycling? You know it will invigorate you. Weekends still offer you the time to get out and about. Life will get in the way of course, family commitments, work and with all manner of live shows and sport events to stimulate you it’s easy to close the door, quite literally, on your outdoor activity. Time for green exercise is squeezed when the dark nights draw in and the gym or classes on the evening provide the exercise that eases your conscience as the wine is poured in front of the TV.
But so much depends on the weather. As many people will argue the seasons seem to blend into one another. In my mind, September seems to have been a better month than August weather wise for the past several years. Similarly, May seems to have been the best month so i see why some people think of the seasons in a more fluid, intertwining way rather than in neat, three month blocks.
On the flip side, I will enjoy plundering the wild fruits of County Durham. Blackberries and sloe berries dangle temptingly from the branches and thorny bushes. Plums and apples are about to take centre stage but don’t forget bilberries, gooseberries and elderberries all of which can be used for making wine or jam. If you know where to look there are plenty of woodnuts and mushrooms. It’s a good challenge to see if you can feed yourself (and the family) for one day based on what you pick. Or if you want to be less strict (like me) just include what you’ve picked in all of your meals.
And of course watching the changing of the seasons has its own visual and emotional rewards. Being in step with these changes brings a balance to our lives. An equilibrium that can stave off SAD. It’s when we disconnect from this seasonal rhythm that things get tougher. So whilst I don’t herald the passing of summer with any great joy, it’s time to get with the autumn programme.
