The Winter Blues…
First, it’s important to spend time in the sun. Sunlight can be wonderful on the winter-beaten psyche. It’s amazing how a little sunlight can change our emotional outlook. Sunlight can help to produce the chemical Serotonin; Serotonin is a chemical produced in the brain; it’s a hormone that improves and boosts feelings of calmness, focus, and mood.
When the body experiences long bouts without ample sunlight the levels of serotonin produced in the brain can dip, and the decrease in the hormone can lead to problematic depression and seasonal disorders. Although remember that when you go outside, even in winter, to keep your skin protected and hydrated.
Exercise is also important in the winter. And it can be difficult given the weather and the temperature to get exercise outside. Routine exercise, in addition to being a component for health, also boosts Serotonin levels. And the exercise should help counteract the lethargy that’s so common in the winter months; it may sound strange, but lethargy can actually make it more difficult to sleep at night, to feel physically comfortable throughout the day.
There are numerous small activities that can help to prevent the winter blues. Music, for instance, can have a significant effect on a person’s mood. To counteract the long hours of darkness, remember to open the curtains during the day. Try to spend time in brightly lit places. You don’t have to break the bank on the electrical bill, but remember to sit near windows, and when it’s dark outside during the day, keep rooms well-lit. And when you need an extra pick-me-up, remember that Central Wellness can help.
Don’t let the long, cold winter lower your spirits. Call Central Wellness today.
