The cold weather, less sunlight, and being cooped up indoors make it easy to feel a little down in the dumps in the winter. If you’re suffering from the winter blues, which can be diagnosed as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) if severe enough, getting outside and exercising is probably not at the top of your list of things to do. It’s cold and gloomy outside, and you’re just getting over the hustle and bustle of the holidays. However, exercise and sunlight are some of the best things you can do to beat the winter blues.
Exercise releases brain chemicals, known as endorphins, that can help you to feel happier and less stressed. This is why exercise has been proven to help with anxiety, overall mood, improve your confidence, and take your mind off worries. Regular exercise can even help battle depression, so if you’re feeling down this winter, give exercise a try. At best, it helps with your physical health and mental health, at worst, it at least helps you stay healthy and physically active.
Exercise doesn’t have to be complicated either. Just start out with something easy like going for a walk around your neighborhood or dancing with the grandkids. You can also find an exercise class at SCOA, and it may even help you to make new friends too. When exercising, try to do it outside if possible or near a sunny window too.
