What is the meaning of winter blues?
Having the winter blues means feeling sad and generally more down in the dumps, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Winter blues isn’t something that is medically diagnosed, but more of an understood feeling we can sometimes have during winter months that is usually short-lived.
How do you deal with winter blues?
- Keep active. Research has shown that a daily one-hour walk in the middle of the day could be as helpful as light treatment for coping with the winter blues.
- Get outside.
- Keep warm.
- Eat healthily.
- See the light.
- Take up a new hobby.
- See your friends and family.
- Talk it through.
How long do winter blues last?
If you’re feeling blue this winter, and if the feelings last for several weeks, talk to a health care provider. “It’s true that SAD goes away on its own, but that could take 5 months or more. Five months of every year is a long time to be impaired and suffering,” says Rudorfer.
Is there such a thing as the winter blues?
The winter blues are very common, with many of us experiencing a mood shift during the colder, darker days of winter. You may find yourself feeling more lethargic and down overall. Although you may feel more gloomy than usual, the winter blues typically don’t hinder your ability to enjoy life.
What is the difference between winter blues and SAD?
Although you may feel more unhappy than usual, the winter blues typically do not affect your ability to enjoy life. But if your winter blues start permeating all aspects of your life — from work to personal relationships — you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
What vitamin helps with winter blues?
Vitamin D Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because your body can make it by using cholesterol and absorbing natural sunshine. Your mood may improve with as little as 10 minutes of sun exposure. This is why light therapy is an important treatment for SAD. Your body can also absorb vitamin D through food.
Does vitamin D help with winter blues?
Why do I feel worse in the winter?
The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter-onset SAD . This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. Serotonin levels. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might play a role in SAD .
What causes the winter blues?
What month is depression highest?
April may be the cruelest month, but January seems to take the cake for being the most depressing. Post-holiday letdown turns into failed New Year’s resolutions, which are exacerbated by short days, long nights, bad weather, and holiday credit card bills.
How can I improve my winter mood?
Winter blues? 6 ways to improve mood and energy
- Eat a healthy diet. Feeling blue can make you desire foods high in fat, carbohydrates and sugar.
- Get regular exercise.
- Try sun therapy.
- Increase social interactions.
- Get enough sleep.
- Practice relaxation techniques.
Can vitamin D help with winter blues?
Vitamin D Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because your body can make it by using cholesterol and absorbing natural sunshine. Your mood may improve with as little as 10 minutes of sun exposure. This is why light therapy is an important treatment for SAD.
What vitamins should I take for the winter blues?
Take fish oil and vitamin D supplements One study found that when adults with the winter blues were given 400-800 international units of vitamin D3 a day, their mood improved substantially. Omega-3 supplements may also be beneficial.
Why winters are depressing?
Why does my anxiety get worse in the winter?
Basically, lack of sunlight exposure during the winter months can disrupt your body’s release of neurotransmitters related to anxiety and depression. One way to cope with winter anxiety is to bundle up and actually go outside, despite how much frigid temperatures make you want to just stay in bed.
What is the saddest month?
It is often said that January – dubbed “the Monday of months” – is the most depressing month of the year.
Does anxiety increase in winter?
Whether it’s having to spend more money on heating bills or finding it harder to fall asleep, winter weather can often result in heightened levels of anxiety and stress.
What vitamins should I take for winter blues?
Why do I feel more anxious in the winter?
During the winter months, especially, most people (especially in today’s society) get very little exposure to sunlight. Sunlight modulates your hormonal melatonin levels. It’s believed that melatonin is linked to serotonin, the neurotransmitter (or brain chemical) most commonly linked to anxiety and depression.