Episode 114 Becoming Wildly Resilient Practice: 3 Simple Tools for a Resilient Winter
Listen as host Amy Rodquist-Kodet, health coach with UK HR Health and Wellness, shares research-backed practices to help steady mood during the dark winter months.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects millions each year, but small, intentional actions—like light exposure, gentle movement and self-compassion—can make a real difference. As Amy puts it, “These practices aren’t about fixing everything at once; they’re about shifting your internal weather by a few degrees, building resilience over time.”
Key Takeways:
- Light - Morning light is a powerful signal for your circadian rhythm. Even a brief dose—like turning toward a sunny window or a bright lamp—can help set a more positive rhythm for the day.
- Movement - Just 10 minutes of gentle movement can boost BDNF, a brain-derived neurotrophic factor linked to emotional stability and resilience. Simple actions like rolling your shoulders or shifting in your seat make a difference.
- Self-Compassion - Small moments of self-kindness calm stress and support nervous system regulation. Pair a simple action with a compassionate phrase—such as “I deserve steadiness and kindness”—to make the practice more effective and sustainable.
Connect with us:
Have feedback or suggestions for future topics? Email us at healthandwellness@uky.edu.
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