The dark season brings many cozy holidays full of joy for us. However, it is also a time that can have a negative impact on our mood and activity levels. Many people tend to have melancholic, gloomy thoughts during this time of the year. They become more withdrawn and rarely engage in activities. Often, this is a normal reaction to the dark and gloomy weather. Some people enjoy this quiet time by reading books or simply taking a break on the sofa. However, some people experience what is called the winter blues or even winter depression due to the limited sunlight and lack of natural light during this time. To avoid this, today we will show you why natural light is so important for our mental health and provide you with tips for the dark season.
Natural Light and Mental Health – What’s the Connection?
A lack of natural daylight can lead to mood swings and a decrease in performance, even to winter depression. Natural light is especially important for our mood, as the body produces fewer mood-enhancing endorphins and releases lower amounts of serotonin, which is known as the “happiness hormone,” without light. Therefore, daylight is crucial in combating low spirits, sleep disorders, and seasonal depression. Artificial light, due to its low lux intensity, cannot substitute for the need for natural light.
Beat the Blues: Our Tips for the Dark Season There are plenty of tips to get through the months with little sunlight. We have summarized the most important and effective ones for you:
#1 Take the opportunity to go outside as often as possible
A walk at noon is just as advisable as a bike ride on the weekend. Going outside for fifteen minutes every day, even in bad weather, can effectively help improve your mood.
#2 Try to stay physically active
Physical activity and exercise contribute to a better mood by positively influencing brain metabolism. Mental well-being is enhanced because the body releases “happy hormones” such as serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine during sports and movement. Outdoor activities like jogging, walking, or cycling are particularly suitable for lifting your spirits. In this article, we introduce you to more outdoor sports, and here you can learn what to consider while doing them.
#3 Consider light therapy
If you don’t have time to go for a walk outdoors in daylight every day, light therapy can help. Professional light therapy devices use a daylight spectrum with an intensity of at least 10,000 lux.
We hope these tips were helpful, and we wish you strength for the dark season.