Modern Goddess Magazine

“No, don’t make me get up! I don’t want to. I am tired and it is cold outside.”

Sound familiar? For those of us in the southern hemisphere this is the way we are starting our days now that winter is here. The body is feeling a little sluggish in the mornings and energy is low. Motivation is even lower.

Luckily for most of us this is just a general reluctance to go out into the cold. That first time in the morning when you roll out of bed and put your feet on the icy floor is a real shocker. For some people, however, this is the onset of SAD.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a recognised phenomenon that hits many people throughout the winter months. SAD shows itself in symptoms such as tiredness, weight gain, lethargy and mood swings. In some people it can result in real depression.

Scientists say that the onset of SAD occurs in winter when the days are less bright and the nights are longer. The lack of exposure to sunlight can alter the chemical balance of our bodies, resulting in SAD. I can feel the change in people now that winter is here.

Most of us feel that we slow down in winter. That nice cosy fire is calling you, isn’t it? We are not as active and tend towards hibernation. We eat differently and look for hot and hearty meals that we then digest more slowly. We don’t play as much sport and look for indoor pursuits to keep ourselves occupied.

Sadly, it is this inactivity that can be one of the main culprits behind SAD.

The best way to survive winter is with activity. Like it or loathe it, getting active and outdoors is the key to good health even in winter. Why not rug up and go for a brisk walk? There are lots of outdoor sports in winter so why not go and watch some if you don’t want to play? Take your dog for a walk. (I wonder if pets suffer from SAD?) Do some gardening; prune those roses. Throw a Frisbee with your children.

There are lots of things that you can do that will get you outdoors. The activity is great for releasing those warm and happy hormones into your body. The exposure to natural light will help to keep you balanced. Just remember to wear shoes and clothes that will keep you warm and protected. It is also a great idea to wear a hat to keep your head and ears warm.

When you get back home feeling fresh and energised just think how good it will feel to sit on a cosy sofa with a nice hot drink. Instead of just sitting like a lump in front of the fire you will be feeling happy and ready for life.

Don’t waste your winter season with SAD. Go outside and enjoy the light.

Thumbnail Photo Credit: The Winter Scene is by Tony the Misfit.