What causes a bad mood in winter?
Until the end of winter, we have to deal with short days and the lack of sun. For this reason, our body produces more melatonin, which makes us sleepy. Conversely, less of the "happiness hormone" or serotonin, which worsens your mood. Often, instead of pleasant snow, which is conducive to outdoor activities, for example, it is snowing with rain and gusty winds, which force us to stay at home.
What are the symptoms of winter blues?
The so-called winter chandra is a seasonal mood disorder that is caused by short days and bad weather. This condition can cause:
- depression, weariness, melancholy mood
- excessive sleepiness, it is harder for us to get up in the morning
- lack of vital energy, fatigue, apathy
- frequent reflection, problems with concentration
- frustration and nervous tension.
In extreme cases, it may turn out that the winter blues turn into depression that requires treatment. It can be alarming when a bad mood lasts a long time and prevents you from functioning normally.
Physical activity
One of the ways to improve your well-being during the winter is to exercise, as it increases the level of endorphins in the body. Lack of exercise is a threat not only to our physical but also mental health. When we practice Nordic walking or ice skating, we forget that it is cold or dark. Even 15-30 minutes of daily walk with a child or partner is enough. The conversation itself, also with a close person, outdoors, will have a positive effect on your mood.
Time to relax
It is worth spending some time on activities that will allow us to relax. Some people then watch a movie, read a book, listen to relaxing music or take a hot bath. It is also a good way to meet, over coffee, with a friend and discuss current problems.
Adequate diet
Avoid food that is only supposed to make you feel better. Of course, we are talking about foods rich in sugar or unhealthy fats, which unfortunately will aggravate the negative mood. Instead, you should bet on those products that, in addition to vitamin D or B6, contain omega-3 fatty acids, e.g. fatty sea fish. We should also eat foods rich in magnesium, i.e. pumpkin seeds, cocoa and barley.
Other ingredients that contribute to a good mood ...
Saffron flower extract
According to the available literature, the saffron flower works by increasing the concentration of serotonin and dopamine in the central nervous system, which increases the feeling of happiness and mood. This flower has been used since antiquity to alleviate the symptoms of melancholy.
Inositol
Also called vitamin B8, according to the literature it is responsible in the human body, among others for the proper functioning of neurotransmitters (i.e. acetylcholine and serotonin). It increases the sensitivity of serotonin receptors, thanks to which it improves well-being and mental performance, and also stabilizes the mood.