Natural mood enhancers for the dark season
18.12.2017
Translation: machine translated
It's still dark when you arrive at the office in the morning and when you leave it in the evening: that can quickly get on your nerves. But why is this the case and what can you do about it? It's high time to talk about the importance of the right lighting and a healthy lifestyle in the dark season.
In winter, the body goes into overdrive: It's hard to get out of bed in the morning and you crave sweets. "Remnants from prehistoric times", they say. A lack of light has a greater effect on our bodies than we would like to admit. In November, Zurich had an average of just 1.7 hours of sunshine per day (see Meteo Switzerland report). That's not many. Especially when you consider that most people were sitting in an office at that time. Some cope well, others suffer from the seasonal lack of light: tiredness, sluggishness, illness and dissatisfaction can be the result. However, there are solutions to help counteract the winter blues.
1. compensate for a lack of light
Lack of light is the main cause of our seasonal sluggishness. Since not everyone can fly south, it is advisable to resort to other methods:
Daylight lamps trick the body into thinking it's summer with their high lux levels - without the harmful UV rays. As their blue light wakes you up, their use should be limited to the early morning. 1 to 2 hours a day should increase energy levels after just a few days. Here you can find out all about their application.
Walking outdoors is also a good way to combat the winter blues. Even when the sun is not shining, it can be as bright as 3000 lux - just like a light therapy lamp. It's best to make the most of every opportunity to be out in the fresh air: Walking or cycling to work, going for walks during your lunch break and taking your coffee break outside.
Light alarm clocks simulate a sunrise by gradually getting brighter around 30 minutes before the actual wake-up time. This brings you out of sleep more gently and naturally and stimulates your body to produce wake-up hormones (serotonin)
.
Clever light bulbs are the vision of the future. The idea of illuminating your home with the same light intensity is actually outdated. This is because not every light intensity is suitable for every time of day. Bright, cool white light is recommended for concentrated work. In the evening, yellow-white light is much better for relaxing. There are now smart all-in-one lamps that accompany you throughout the day. You can read here how to light smarter step by step.
2. maintain contacts
Even if the cold weather makes you want to hole up at home, you shouldn't neglect your relationships in winter. So make a date for lunch, dinner or just a cup of tea on the sofa. Laughing releases valuable endorphins, which you can always use in winter.
3. exercise
It's no secret: sport increases well-being. You know that peaceful feeling you get after a workout? This is because our brain releases happiness hormones when we exercise. Regular exercise increases concentration and satisfaction, which can counteract the winter lack of light. So grab your running shoes or get on your exercise bike and activate your muscles.
4. reduce granulated sugar
Sounds harsh. And it is. It's almost impossible to give up sweets during Advent. If you're feeling weak, you instinctively reach for the Christmas treats lying around. When you eat granulated sugar, your brain releases happiness hormones that cheer you up. But unfortunately not for long: your blood sugar drops again shortly afterwards just as quickly as it rose. That's why your body then craves the next sugar boost. This can result in weight gain and mood swings, for example. Nuts, bananas, dried fruit, wholegrain products or dark chocolate are the more sustainable and healthier sources of energy here.
5. positive thinking
Finally, a positive attitude helps enormously. Winter will eventually be over again - that's a promise. Making plans for the future also makes you happy: it's not for nothing that they say "anticipation is the greatest joy". Whether it's a holiday, a family visit or a firmly planned shopping day: numerous joyful events make the winter months fly by. Speaking of flights: of course, there's nothing wrong with a short holiday in the sun.
Do you know any other tips that will get you through the winter season happier? Let us know in the comments!
Header image: Bye Bye, winter blues: Soak up as much daylight as you can
Léonie de Montmollin
Portfolio Development Manager
leonie.de.montmollin@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I’m not busy putting together home décor themes or planning marketing activities for Galaxus, I enjoy decorating my home with things I love and starting DIY projects I finish all too rarely. The inspiration I get comes from blogs, magazines and travels. My favourite home living styles: Nautical, Scandinavian and Nordic.
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