My trip to Sardinia: Small habits to Avoid Winter Fatigue
During my journeys, there has always been a sense of belonging in the world. This has been the catalyst for my unending search for connection and how the journeys reflect on me as a person.
It feels like the austere Nordic winter has arrived and is turning dark most of the time, except for the green lushness of the pine trees. The sun makes glorious appearances and lures you into thinking that nature is ready to revive itself at any second. It’s only a sunny mirage.
More than any other season, I want to see winter’s beauty. Not just in the bright and crisp snow days but also in life, as this season we reflect what we harvested.
Then, this got me thinking about the insights I brought from Sardinia, one of the blue zones of the planet.
I loved being around the Sardinians’ wisdom, the simplicity of seeing life, and their community values.
Exploring indigenous knowledge of how they live influenced me to shift slightly in how I approach health at this time of the year.
Purpose
Interestingly, I noticed the elderly people in Sardinia continue to engage in lifelong learning, whether through more conventional skills, storytelling, or exploring new interests.
I have always been driven by purpose. Experiencing life in Sardinia reinforced my acting with intention—to be mindful while looking into my internal alignment and how I see my future self.
A robust body and mind, along with an innovative perspective on life, are consistent with knowledge and self-improvement.
Nutrient-rich diet
I have always loved the nutrient-rich food of Sardinian cuisine. You can feel its original taste and freshness as you eat local food. I am a non-meat eater, although I do eat all whole foods. I appreciate colourful plates, which mean various minerals and vitamins.
For someone like me who lives up in the north, winter may limit the availability of some fresh produce, but during the colder months—roughly half of the year—focusing on seasonal foods and including winter staples like whole grains and legumes can help maintain a healthy diet.
Movement
Sardinians engage in regular outdoor activities, even in their elder years, such as climbing narrow streets.
Whether it is through 2-hour walks, outdoor running, strength-training exercises, or other cold-weather pursuits, finding ways to stay active during the winter can improve your overall health and well-being throughout this season.
I find that using the Pilates machines is a refreshing way to keep my muscles strong, especially during the coldest and darkest months. Until the weather turns too cold or the ground becomes slick, I want to continue running outside.
The idea is to keep the body in motion in the morning, middle of the day, and evening. I can consistently find overall wellbeing with this plan, both physically and mentally.
But, sure, we also must remember to rest.
Rebooting our brains and bodies, living more in tune with ourselves and enjoying a longer and healthier life also depend on allowing the body to deeply relax and adjusting daily routines to the changing seasons.
Control of Stress
This is definitely an area where I have been educating myself. For me, stress tends to come in waves during this time of year because there are so few hours of soft light.
I can tolerate the cold, but I do not always look forward to the dark.
For people like me who were born and raised in a lower European latitude, this time of year means longer days, which affects our circadian rhythms.
Sardinia is known for its slower pace of life. This laid-back lifestyle can contribute to a reduced sense of stress compared to more fast-paced environments. The volume of work that is coming up, especially in the final months of the year, usually makes me feel overwhelmed.
However, I have gained knowledge from the Sardinians about slow living while sticking to a similar Mediterranean diet high in whole foods and olive oil. Eating foods high in nutrients in the high north seems to be helping my body manage stress.
Many Sardinians live in areas with beautiful natural landscapes. Spending time outdoors and engaging in activities such as gardening, hiking, or simply enjoying nature can have stress-reducing effects.
This is where I can embrace the concept of Friluftsliv, which has a year-round similar purpose. It is very soothing to enjoy a warm cup of tea with friends while sitting outside and appreciating the white scenery after blazing a trail in the wilderness.
Sardinian culture places importance on savouring and enjoying life.
Community Sense
Finding your sense of place within the community is something Sardinians have shared across generations. They always had their fireplace time, sitting around each other and sharing experiences. Some naturally share their challenges, while others try to support them, and others share their stories since others are listening.
There is a sense of belonging and contributing overall to emotional well-being, as well as a sense of collective and individual purpose, with lightheartedness. This approach also connects to the wealth across the island, and people know how to promote and sustain each other and their natural surroundings.
Also, I noticed older individuals often play active roles in their families and communities, contributing their wisdom and experience. This continued engagement can provide a strong sense of purpose in later years.
Something is refreshing about applying this approach on a weekly or monthly basis. I have been finding it insightful to interact with online communities professionally, on side projects, or locally where I live. My great expat friend community, co-workers, and old friends keep me rooted in pursuing my intentions.
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