Why you Feel so Unmotivated This Winter
Have you noticed a decrease in motivation, self esteem or enjoyment over the past few months? Don't worry, you're not alone.
Feeling demotivated and down in the dumps in the winter, also known as Winter Blues, is a very common phenomenon. In the absence of sunlight, our body clocks can be massively affected, and so in turn, can mess with the part of our brain that produces neurotransmitters.
To put it simply, less sunlight may mean that your brain is producing less happy chemicals.
The medical name for this is seasonal affective disorder, or SAD for short, and it is thought to affect up to 2 million people in the UK every winter. It can manifest itself in many different ways, here are the most common symptoms, according to the NHS:
a persistent low mood
a loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities
feeling irritable
feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness
low self-esteem
tearfulness
feeling stressed or anxious
becoming less sociable
If you don't know the correct steps to take to get back on track, combating SAD can feel like a never ending battle. This is why I have curated all of the best practices to get over the winter blues.
Overcoming Seasonal Affective Disorder:
Be social: Go and see friends and make plans to keep yourself busy. SAD affects people differently and some may find they feel worse when they are alone. Some people find it helpful to meet up with friends or family members once or twice a week during the winter months. If you can’t get out much due to work commitments, try joining a local club or something that can hold you accountable to getting out the house and socialising.
Lightbox Therapy - The symptoms of SAD are caused by decreased levels of sunlight which affects the production of serotonin in the brain. Light therapy can help treat SAD by mimicking natural sunlight and boosting serotonin levels. A light box emits bright white light that appears similar to sunlight without damaging your eyesight. (see NHS Choices for more information)
Exercise - As it does with other forms of depression, exercise can help alleviate SAD. Exercise can also help offset the weight gain that is common with SAD, which also contributes to feeling low. Exercise is known to increase levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.
Like any mental health issue, SAD can be serious, and can lead to deeper problems. If you are struggling or feel unable to cope through the winter, please be sure to contact your GP for some professional advice.
SAD is a real condition that can disrupt our lives and make us feel like there’s no hope for us. It’s something that can affect anyone, male or female, young or old, rich or poor. But, as you now know, there are ways we can combat these ‘winter blues’ and get through those cold months without feeling down in the dumps. After reading this article, you are now aware of the warning signs of SAD. Be sure to keep an eye on family members and friends so you can be there for anyone experiencing this disorder.
