Do you know the scientific reason behind winter blues? Do you know why you tend to be generally unhappier in the winter than in the summer?
Less sun.
Less sun equals less vitamin D.
Less vitamin D equals less happy.
Summa summarum; less sun, less happy.
Even though the author, quite obviously, has incredible potential to become a renowned biomedical scientist, he’ll stick with writing this article for now.
Of course, aside from the sun component, there are other factors at play here. First of all, you spend way more time inside the house. Like it or not, things become freezing in the winter. And when it’s so cold outside that you get a runny nose just from sticking your head out the window for two minutes, you won’t be that inclined to venture outside if it’s not absolutely necessary to do so. Second, this is the time of year when you can expect to get sick. Sure, some people never do, and good for them, but we’ve yet to make contact with other galaxies and see how their inhabitants do it. Third, less physical activity. Fourth, closed spaces facilitate the spread of bacteria and viruses faster in the winter, when it’s prudent to hermetically seal them for warmth, than when they’re regularly aired out in the summer. Fifth and last, it’s simply stressful. Days are shorter, nights are longer, Christmas is behind the corner, happy people are everywhere, work expectations are usually piling up, work obligations are piling up on top of work expectations, et cetera.
We’ve prepared some easy-to-follow advice for you in order to help you beat the winter blues.
1.Exercise
It is important not to give in to the oh-it’s-so-cold-imma-stay-under-the-covers-until-Earth-warms-over mentality people often take on during the cold winter months. In order for your immunity to stay in shape, your body needs to as well. Make an exercise schedule and stick to it; there are loads of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin coming your way. Plus, you’re going to love the fact that when everyone’s worried about shedding off the winter cookies and cakes, you’ll already be fit and ready to go.
1.Eat healthily
Around the world, holidays are usually diabetic nightmares. Sugar and candy in all shapes and forms take the food-reins and govern our lives for at least a couple of days. Fight off the cravings by sticking to your usual healthy diet, allowing yourself, of course, to cheat just a little bit.
1.Stop worrying about people who look happy
As a grandfather, I knew used to say, “Don’t worry, it’s all going to end badly anyway.” Or, in other words, stop worrying about what others look like, do, and how they act. Once you achieve a certain level of peace and tranquillity in loneliness and stop comparing yourself to others, you’ll lead a much happier and much more satisfied life. Especially during the icky, sticky, yucky winter holidays… Yeah, that goes for the author too.
1.Don’t complain incessantly about the weather
Well, for starters, you’ll be annoying everyone around you. No one likes these people. Second of all, you’ll be dampening your spirits and thus lowering your immunity, which will make you more susceptible to various diseases and illnesses.
1.Wear scarves and hats and thick socks
Protect the neck, protect the head (especially if you’re bald) and protect the feet. These are the holy trinity of protection against cold weather.
1.Find a good movie to watch, find a good book to read, find a good person to spend time with
Yeah, this really isn’t seasonal. Don’t waste the winter wonderland outside by having nothing to do inside – that simply won’t do. Winter is the perfect season for homebodies because society doesn’t push you to go outside. You can stay in and nobody will care, particularly because everyone else will also be too cold to go anywhere. And since you’re huddled up by the fire and you’re warm and cozy, and you’ve never felt more protected in your entire life from the elements outside, don’t bore it up!
1.Get yourself some flowers
If it’s a cold, dreary winter afternoon outside, and you’re feeling down, do the following. Log in to your Hipper.com account, find the bouquet you like, and get yourself some flowers with a note saying “I love you. Your secret admirer. Xoxo!” Okay, don’t really do this – better make the recipient a good friend or a beloved family member. They’ll love them!
Winter is as beautiful a season as it is cold, wet and scary.
But you choose which one it’s going to be.