It’s common for people to suffer from low winter moods around this time of year and it can leave you feeling despondent, lethargic and just generally down.
Causes of low winter moods
Everyone is different and is affected by various factors and so there’s no definitive answer as to why many of us feel low during the winter months. However, there are a few theories as to why winter brings about low moods:
The weather
During winter the temperature drops and we get fewer hours of sunlight. Shorter daylight hours can disrupt your body’s internal clock which interrupts the production of serotonin and melatonin; the hormones related to regulating your body’s internal functions and mood.
Christmas period
The Christmas period can be tough for people to handle. The ups and downs of the festive period can play havoc on our mood and mental health and many can find this time of year particularly lonely. Additionally, January can be a depressing month for many as we head back to work-life normality after a joyful Christmas break.
Lack of exercise
We know that exercise, even low to moderate exercise such as walking, can help improve mood, concentration and thinking patterns. And during the winter months, people tend to exercise less - mainly due to the weather. It turns into a vicious cycle, the dark mornings and drop in temperature make it hard for people to feel motivated to get out and exercise and this in turns causes low mood and a lack of energy which makes people even less inclined to exercise. We tend to go into hibernation mode and rarely get outside for fresh air and walks during this time.
When low winter mood turns into SAD
What is SAD?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons. People who suffer from SAD usually start seeing symptoms around the same time every year and similarly, they seem to get better around the same time. If you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the autumn and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making your mood dip. SAD is a lot more intense than simply having a low winter mood.
How to improve your mood this winter
There are several things you can do to brighten your mood, give yourself an energy kick and feel more like yourself this winter.
Stick to a routine
Although it may be difficult, sticking to your regular routine can do wonders for your mental health. If you’re tempted to have a lie in or skip a gym session because of the cold, dark mornings remember you’ll feel much better for it if you don’t!
Replicate sunlight
You can trick your body into thinking it’s being exposed to sunlight by investing in a SAD lamp. SAD lamps simulate sunlight, which helps trigger the brain to release serotonin and can help regulate our body clock more effectively, to reduce the symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder.
Increase your vitamin D levels
Vitamin D can help to boost serotonin activity; the key hormone that stabilises our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. Because vitamin D is produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight, winter can leave our levels low so by supplementing with vitamin D you can improve your mood.
Boost your NAD+ levels
NAD+ IV infusion therapy can help alleviate a lot of the symptoms associated with winter, including chronic fatigue, anxiety and depression, poor sleep and brain fog. With NAD+ IV therapy you’ll feel more energised, have a better overall mood and just feel more like yourself. Reset the clock this winter with the help of NAD+ - we have a range of infusion packages to choose from!
Share
Copied
