Winter Wellness: Strategies to Combat Seasonal Lows
February... It's grey and cold outside. The Christmas holidays are a distant memory. You wake up in the dark and come home in the dark. It's not surprising that many of us are feeling down in the dumps. It's the time of year when the winter blues can make us feel like hibernating until spring.
Understanding the Winter Blues
Why do we feel this way? One of the most likely explanations is the length of the day at this time of year. When the sun goes down in the evening, our bodies produce melatonin, and we start to feel sleepy. Light stops the production of melatonin, so we feel alert during the day. When winter days are short, the level of melatonin in our bodies is higher, which can make us feel lethargic and depressed. For instance, if you live in Málaga, where there's an average of 6.4 hours of sunshine a day in February, the winter blues might not affect you as much as someone in Santander, where the average is 3.7 hours. Spare a thought for Londoners in the UK, who only get an average of 2.3 hours of sunshine a day this month. Wherever you live, it's normal to feel a bit depressed when summer seems a long way off. Here are some tips to help keep the winter blues away:
Maximize Light Exposure
Don't waste those hours of sunlight. If you can, get outside when the sun shines, especially during the middle of the day. If you have to stay inside, try to sit near a window. Remember that pale colors reflect light, so avoid sitting in dark places.
Stay Physically Active
We all know that exercise is good for our bodies, but it's just as important for our minds. You might not feel like exercising when it's cold outside, but you know you'll feel better if you do. If you can get active outdoors during those precious hours of sunlight, that's even better, but rain is no excuse. There are plenty of indoor options. Why not try something new? Learning a new skill is also great for keeping the blues away. So, take up a new sport, and you'll get double the benefit. Or, put your headphones on and listen to your favorite feel-good music while you exercise.
Boost Social Connections
The winter blues can make us feel unsociable, but don't isolate yourself. Being with people is one of the best ways to fight off feelings of sadness. Meet up with friends or family, and you can cheer each other up.
Plan Enjoyable Treats
Organize something that will make you happy:
- An evening at the cinema with friends
- A trip to the skating rink
- Just a hot chocolate on the way home from school
If all else fails, think positively. Remember that the days are already getting longer. Spring is just around the corner, and Easter is less than two months away. It's time to start planning for sunny weather...