The dark days before Christmas
Many people suffer from it: the winter blues. In the autumn leading up to winter, we live more in the dark, the temperature drops, and the weather becomes somewhat more turbulent. The winter blues are accompanied by feelings related to depression. 8 to 91% of the Dutch population suffers from it. Often, the reason cannot really be pinpointed, and it lasts longer than a few days. How can you recognize it, what are the causes, and what can you do about it?.
Recognize
By recognizing that you are suffering from the winter blues, you can also take steps to act faster. Have you been experiencing the following issues for at least two weeks:
- Sleep problems (for example, being extra sleepy)
- Eating problems (for example, reduced or increased appetite)
- Listlessness, fatigue
- Be less productive
- Feel restless
- Mood swings
- Feeling listless. Having less pleasure in things you normally enjoy.
- Feeling gloomy, downcast, or depressed. Sometimes this is accompanied by an inability to cry, or crying spells (that do not 'provoke relief').
- Concentration problems
Causes
The main cause is the lack of daylight. This is also combined with spending less time outdoors due to bad weather. Daylight regulates our biological clock and thereby ensures the right energy levels during the day, and sunlight enables the body to produce vitamin D, which, among other things, promotes the absorption of calcium.
Trading
- Make the most of the sunlight
- Go outside for an hour several times a week.
- Sit by the window as much as possible
- Schedule more enjoyable outings in your calendar.
- Ensure you stick to proper sleep rituals and hygiene to promote good quality sleep.
- Move more; hire your Personal Trainer for this.
- If you notice that the symptoms are getting worse or lasting too long, contact your GP.
Want to know more? BMFitt helps you.
About Kitty Atsma
Kitty is a passionate nutrition specialist and vitality coach with a broad scientific basis in nutrition and exercise. As a member of the national examination committee of the TCI (Nutrition Specialist & GWC), she monitors the quality of the field at the highest level. As a professional blogger, Kitty combines her in-depth expertise with the possibilities of AI to make complex health topics accessible. She curates and controls the technology to get to the heart of the matter, where her own vision and years of practical experience always determine the course.
Nutrition Specialist Teacher | BGN Weight Consultant | Member TCI Examination Board | Vitality coach
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