Winter blues
Tips against bad mood in the dark season
When freshly brewed, St. John's wort works wonders
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Winter does not always show its beautiful and snowy side. Many feel weak and depressed. That helps against it.
In the darker months of the year, many of us suffer from seasonal dejection, the so-called winter blues. With these tips we bring a little light into the dark.
Soak up the sun and fresh air
The most common cause of the winter blues is lack of light. The closer winter approaches, the shorter the days become. Most of our free time takes place on the couch at home and we catch less sunlight. That hits the mind. Doctors are now even prescribing light therapies against the winter blues, which are a substitute for sunlight and usually show initial results after a week.
But don't worry, the lack of light can also be prevented more easily – for example with walks. Light and fresh air promote our good mood enormously. And even if it is not always easy to motivate yourself to take a walk on cold and gray winter days: Just 30 minutes a day can reduce your bad mood!
Sport makes you happy
It is well known that sport makes you happy; die-hard runners even speak of an inner intoxication. The fact is that the happiness hormones dopamine, serotonin and endorphin are released through physical activity and remain present for a long time. This explains, among other things, the satisfied feeling that you have after a training insert.
With regular exercise, weakness and tiredness decrease significantly and it also has a positive effect on our psyche. Ideally, you go jogging outside, so your body benefits not only from exercise, but also from the fresh air. But exercises in your own four walls are also a good thing in times of Corona.
Healthy nutrition is essential
We all know the unspeakable feeling of indolence that unhealthy food can trigger. In particular, very fatty foods strain the body during digestion. Due to the cold temperatures and the lack of sun, we feel exhausted and tired in winter anyway. It is therefore all the more important to ensure a diet rich in vitamins and fiber. This is not only good for the body, it also strengthens the immune system.
Speaking of vitamins – fighting the vitamin D deficiency in particular helps against the winter blues. A large part of the vitamin should be absorbed through sunlight, but diet can also prevent this. Salmon, herring, eggs or mushrooms are suitable for this.
St. John's wort can work wonders
If none of that helps, there is a tried and true home remedy for the winter blues: St. John's wort. The herb has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times and is often used for mild depression. It increases our sensitivity to light, which enables us to absorb and store more light. In this way, unavoidable lack of light in winter can be better combated and compensated for. Even if the preparation is available without a prescription, its use should always be discussed with your family doctor beforehand.