As the temperature begins to drop, so can mental well-being. Many people experience an increased feeling of melancholy during the winter months. But winter is lock-in season and there’s no time to lay in bed all day. So, do the barons have any tricks to beat the winter blues?
Exercise is a great weapon for combatting low mental health. Ashish Sharma, et al. said, “Aerobic exercises, including jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, gardening, and dancing, have been proven to reduce anxiety and depression. These improvements in mood are proposed to be caused by exercise-induced increase in blood circulation to the brain.” Whether it’s a 20-minute walk or a sweaty, intense workout, exercise can help with mental health, especially during the winter months. Schoolwide President and B-CC Minds Matter member Alex Allin said, “While the winter season can feel gloomy and dark, getting your body moving … makes it a lot easier to manage.”
Exercise isn’t the only way to keep spirits high this winter. Light therapy lamps are also a popular remedy for fighting the winter blues. The Cleveland Clinic said, “Sun lamps positively impact your body’s regulation of melatonin, a hormone that helps control your sleep-wake cycle, as well as serotonin, which helps regulate your mood by relaying signals in your brain.”
There are many other ways to cope with seasonal depression: senior Claire Daignault said “I’d say exercise, journaling, therapy, hanging out with my friends, and a good routine. The consistency in routine helps me keep my emotions consistent and helps me to focus on myself and my mood rather than the weather.”
The winter months can be tricky, and doing things to improve mental health is critical.
