BY: JESSICA BEUKER
With the winter season in full force two things are happening – the weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter. When this happens it’s easy to feel gloomy and down from time to time, but for some of us it’s so much worse. Often referred to as the winter blues, but more commonly known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or, ironically, SAD.
The lack of sunlight during winter time has been scientifically proven to cause SAD. From a neurobiological standpoint this is because the levels of the important chemicals in our brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, are affected strongly by the amount of sunlight that we intake.
Neurotransmitters are responsible for how our brain makes us feel. For example, serotonin affects your mood, social behaviour, appetite and digestion, sleep, memory and sexual desire. While norepinephrine is nicknamed the ‘fight or flight’ hormone because it controls our stress levels. On shorter days, when we’re exposed to less sunlight, the serotonin and norepinephrine are less active in your brain, causing your moods to take a turn for the worse.
It all sounds pretty depressing so far, huh? But don’t worry, because there are actually some ways that you can combat SAD and keep your happy this winter! Below are just a few of the ways you can do this.
1. Take a trip
Get out of the cold and head someplace warm. Long, warm and sunny days will be sure to reset your hormone levels and jumpstart your brain. One thing that country music has taught me is that there is almost nothing more enjoyable than a day at the beach. In the words of Kenny Chesney “All I want for Christmas is a real good tan.” If you can’t getaway, the Hunter Brothers’ have got you covered.
2. Exercise
Exercise is shown to produce feel-good chemicals like endorphins, endocannabinoids and serotonin. Not to mention that eating healthier foods will give you the energy boost you need to get through the cold and be productive with your day. Exercise doesn’t have to mean running on a treadmill either. Hit the slopes for some skiing or get out your sled and take the kids for a winter stroll.
3. Make a good ol’ fashioned country dinner
This goes slightly against the last point, but it’s no secret that food is comforting. Warm foods like chilis and stews are perfect for warming you up during the winter time. Make it a potluck and that way you will get your friends and family out of their houses and in a fun and lively social setting. If you want to keep the meal healthy, use lots of veggies and opt for recipes with less fat and sodium. Although, I’m sure no one will judge if you if you reach for that extra biscuit.
4. Light therapy
You can purchase special light systems that mimic natural sunlight. Turning it on for a few hours a day, or setting it so that it turns on in the morning to wake you up and get you out of bed, will surely brighten your mood. It’s the easiest way to trick your brain into thinking that the days are longer.
