Human hibernation: the restoring effects of hiding away in winter

How do you flourish through the darkest months of the year? Take a lesson from a sleepy dormouse"

I sometimes think that winter doesn't truly start until February. Once the final sunny moments of autumn have gone, I'm bounced along by preparations for the festive season. Even after the final New Year corks have popped, my own reforming zeal gets me through. I may not be tempted by dry Januaries, diets and punishing exercise regimes, but I'm always a sucker for a fresh start, for plans drawn up on new stationery and commitments made to improve myself.

But by early February, I'm sagging. Tired, hungry and sick of the dark, my motivation has run out, my bank account is empty and the world feels soggy underfoot. I start to skip my yoga class and social invitations feel like an imposition. The urge to pull the duvet over my head becomes very strong indeed.