MILAN – When the days get shorter and darkness falls earlier, it’s easy to start to feel rather unsatisfied. As the Examiner explains, the three enemies we need to overcome in winter are depression, weight gain and melancholy. Here are five tips that the site’s experts have put together to make the winter period happier and healthier.
Keep active
Short days make us want to climb onto the couch rather than onto the treadmill. However, staying physically active is necessary for keeping healthy in winter. Moderate physical activity will also help stave off depression like Seasonal Affective Disorder and those unwanted added pounds gained through laziness.
Nutrition
Since Vitamin D is a great weapon against SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), a healthy winter diet should help to reflect this as well. Great sources of Vitamin D include salmon, walnuts, and Chia seeds or flaxseeds. Eating well also means avoiding overly processed foods, reducing your salt intake, avoiding drinks that are too calorific and focusing on vegetables, fruit, legumes and whole grains.
Hydration
Contrary to what you might think, winter increases the risk of dehydration. The heat indoors and cold conditions outdoors tend to dry out organs and skin, which limits the body’s normal metabolic function. It is therefore important, even when you feel less thirsty, like in winter, to provide the body with the right amount of fluids and minerals in order to stay healthy.
Exposure to sunlight
Around 30 minutes of sun per day helps regulate your body clock and helps to ensure good quality sleep. Sun exposure also supports the body’s production of Vitamin D and reduces behavioural disorders. Remedies? A short walk during your lunch break helps more than you think.
Socialise
Spending time with friends or shopping with family during the dark winter months is a great way to stave off Seasonal Affective Disorder. Deepening those existing bonds is important, but so is making new acquaintances in order to feel socially satisfied and, consequently, happier. Volunteering is a great way to not only meet new people, but also feel like you are contributing to your community.
by editorial staff
