4 research-backed ways to beat the winter blues in the colder months
As winter approaches and daylight saving time has ended, many people are bracing themselves for shorter days, colder weather and what’s often dismissed as the “winter blues.” But these seasonal shifts are more than a passing inconvenience, and can disrupt people’s energy, moods and daily routines. Seasonal affective disorder ( SAD ) is a condition that heightens depressive symptoms during the fall and winter months, while the “winter blues” refers to a milder, temporary dip in mood. In Canada, about 15 per cent of the population experience the winter blues, while two to six per cent experience SAD. Although the exact cause of SAD remains unclear, it’s thought to be linked to reduced exposure to natural light during the fall and winter, which can disrupt our circadian rhythm. Lower light levels affect brain chemistry by reducing serotonin — a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep and appetite — while keeping melatonin elevated during daylight hours, leading to sleepiness and fat...
