Animal magic
If you’re in a winter slump and feeling glum, it’s time to take inspiration from the natural world
THESE cold, dark months can be hard for many, and feeling lethargic, low and grumpy is common. However, help could be at hand from an unlikely source – animals.
The natural world is full of inspiring habits.
Sleep like a sloth
Sloths sleep for 15 to 18 hours a day and, while we don’t need quite as much kip, remember rest is your body’s way of refreshing and repairing itself. Stay asleep for as long as you need, so you feel recharged when morning arrives.
Stretch like a cat
Cats stretch to keep blood pumping after inactivity. Just like cats, you were not made to stay still all day.
Indeed, when you’ve been sitting in the same spot too long, your body may start to complain with aches and twinges.
So, every 20 minutes, get up and stretch out your arms and legs, breathing deeply and enjoying the release of tension.
Raw food like a rabbit
Your diet is your lifeforce, so vary it. Take the goodness of plant power for meals bursting with fresh flavours and colours. All those vitamins and minerals will keep you bouncing.
Sunbathe like an alligator
Alligators sunbathe to warm up their bodies. And while we only need a few minutes a day, sunlight boosts vitamin D levels and puts us in a good mood. Get out in daylight for at least 15 minutes a day and you’ll be beaming in no time.
Teamwork like an ant
Ants work as a team and each has their role, from finding food to defending the colony. Ever watched a team of ants lift a huge morsel of food. When we work with others, we achieve great things. Wherever you are in life, play your role passionately, help those around and enjoy team success.
Be playful like a puppy
Play time is never wasted time. You need regular breaks, even just for a few minutes at a time. Taking your mind off tough tasks and doing something creative or frivolous will stop burn-out.
Go slow like a tortoise
Many tortoises move at less than a mile an hour. But going slow isn’t always a bad thing – you get things done in less time. Indeed if you’re hasty, you end up spending extra time fixing avoidable errors. So take a breath, then resume your mission calmly.
Nest like a bird
influences the life you lead. Keep your home tidy and organised, and find ways to decorate your living space to keep yourself feeling comfortable.
Dance like a honeybee
Honeybees are known for their waggle dance, which alerts fellow bees to the best sources of nectar. Life is one big dancefloor. Dancing is great exercise and feelgood music can lift the spirits. Even if you’re just cooking in the kitchen with the radio on, shaking your hips to a killer tune does wonders for wellbeing.
Adapt just like a chameleon
Their colour-changing skin helps them adapt.
Stay flexible and you’ll hit upon the best way to handle any unfamiliar situation.
Extracted by Elizabeth Archer from Animal Wisdom: Nature’s Guide to a Happy Life by Sam Hart (£7.99, Summersdale)