Taking Advantage of Late Autumn Evenings

Hi and welcome back,

My aim for you this month is to see if I can convince you to think about November as a special, health-giving month, offering opportunities for you and your dog to spend the dark evenings increasing your knowledge and enjoying each other’s company.

How? Think old-fashioned. Prepare an early supper, something really nourishing like an autumn vegetable soup or a baked potato with your favourite topping. The complex carbohydrates will help you feel drowsy, and eating early means you’ll digest your meal well before you go to bed.

Next, choose what I call a ‘Victorian’ activity. If you live with other people, why not challenge them to an old-fashioned board game, perhaps Scrabble or Monopoly? It’s fun; you’ll probably think in different ways than you do in your everyday role; and the lack of an electronic screen—especially if you also use soft lighting in the room—gives your melatonin a chance to rise, so you’ll become drowsy naturally. Or under those same conditions, you might read a book you’ve been intending to read: you’re more likely to remember the contents if you do this just before going to sleep. 

And whatever activity you choose, take time to cuddle your dog as well. Not only will they love it, but you’ll also release oxytocin in both of you, helping you to feel safer, more secure, and closer to one another.

Enjoy those restful evenings!

Until next time,

Linda