The cometh of our shivery icy season is marked by the joy of Christmas and New year. We pull out our favourite warm clothes out of storages and enjoy teas loaded with herbs. We may pleasantly hang around bonfires having our favourite snacks with coffee. Winters give us cosy moments in woollens and blankets. But there’s a group of helpless folk who don’t really get the best out of this chill season. There are many people who remain ready for the emergence of sadness and dullness during the cold season. This sudden sheath of sadness that covers them up during winter has no concrete explanation. People suffering from these unexplained winter blues have to live with them until the ice melts, but there’s some hope to be offered with new research and innovation.
The Sad Problem
The winter blues are severe during the days with short daylight hours as the body’s circadian rhythm gets derailed. Some common signs of the blues are persistent low mood and lethargy which makes life really difficult for the sufferer. There’s difficulty in concentration and sleep disturbances. Those having the winter blues have cravings for sugary, carbohydrate rich foods and show anhedonia in which there is a loss of interest in activities they were previously interested in. The pathology of winter blues has been consistently linked with very poor exposure to sunlight leading to disturbed mood. And making a distinction between Winter blues and seasonal affective disorder is very important, therefore the patient should consult a mental health expert of the condition seems unbearable.
The solution
It has been found that Winter blues are very common and can be dealt with effectively. The most important factor to defeat the winter blues is ample amount of exposure to sunlight. Even if it’s cold outside , a 20 minute walk in the sun will help a lot. Allowing sunlight to enter the home by keeping the curtains and windows open is of importance. A light therapy box can be used that mimics sunlight, it helps keep the low mood in check. Physical exercise is always of great benefit in relation to any mental health issue, 30 minutes of exercise daily can help one feel energized and stay positive. Along with exercise including omega containing foods in your diet can boost your mental health. Practicing mindfulness regularly such that it becomes a part of your regular routine can work wonders. It’s crucial for the patient to not cut off all social links, continuing talking to family and friends is very vital for good well-being.
Conclusion
Fortunately the winter blues are manageable and can be dealt with by spreading knowledge about it through media and word of mouth. People should be encouraged to sunbathe during winters and the stigma should be broken, letting people consult a psychiatrist or a psychologist if the need arises. Winter blues can be defeated and the common man can have an enjoyable winter with a Joyful inl New year.
