Just getting out of bed can be a challenge in winter. Add to that the prospect of exercise and many of us would rather hide under the covers and go back to sleep. We are not alone it would seem, most of us will identify to some degree with the typical winter depression symptoms of fatigue, lowered motivation, increased appetite and weight, irritability and reduced sociability.
Winter blues are estimated to affect 10 per cent of people with around a million people in the UK affected by the more serious Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you’re one of them your exercise regime could seriously deteriorate. Many winter depression exercisers will exercise a lot during the lighter summer months but when the darker months arrive, they stop and feel flat and less energetic. Gaining weight is also common since levels of serotonin, a chemical that regulates mood, drops in the winter and can cause overindulgence in serotonin-boosting carbohydrates.
The culprit?Lack of Daylight. The shorter days and longer nights of winter throw off some people’s circadian rhythms (your internal sleep and wake cycle).Your circadian rhythm is sensitive to what time the sun goes up and down and it tries to be in sync with that.
Unless you are a hedgehog, hibernating isn’t the option, but luckily there are other ways to beat the winter blues, and though you may not feel like it, exercise is one of the best.
Evidence shows exercise helps people who have symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress so why not book in for a free consultation to see how Personal Training can help you.
Don’t let the winter rule you, contact me now on 07958 442382