The winter blues and post-holiday stress. Pesky colds and seasonal flus. Eggnog and gingerbread overindulgence. As the weather changes, our health risks change too. Here’s how to keep your health high when the outdoor temperatures drop.
“In winter, we often see a decline in mental wellness as outside activities decrease, natural light from the sun decreases, and stress increases as family holiday time approaches,” says licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Cynthia Shaw, PsyD. “We might notice increased fatigue, decreased motivation, social withdrawal, and low mood.”
But mood changes aren’t the only health risks during dreary winters...
Heart attacks occur more frequently when temperatures plummet, in part because cold weather puts a strain on your cardiovascular system. Holiday stress doesn’t help, either.
Dry, irritated skin increases between summer and winter, typically attributed to winter’s drier air. For instance, those with eczema experience more flare-ups.
The cold and flu are more prevalent because the viruses survive better in crisp, dry air. Bronchitis, whooping cough, and pneumonia are also more common.
Indoor air is at its worst in the winter. Breathing this air is linked with an increased risk of disease, from cancer to diabetes.
This winter season, give your mental and physical health the gift of wellness...
A humidifier restores the moisture in your home’s air, relieving dry, itchy skin and improving the health of your respiratory system. It may even help reduce your risks of catching a winter virus such as the flu.
Approximately 18 percent of Canadians experience mild or severe seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This form of depression is triggered by the lack of sunlight in the winter.
But feeling a bit blue can also be compounded by other factors, according to psychologist Dr. Bruce L. Thiessen, such as loneliness during the holidays or financial stress when gift shopping.
Thiessen recommends three proactive ways to lighten your mood
“There’ll be occasional warmer, sunnier days in the forecast,” Thiessen says. “Make the most of each one, planning outdoor activities in advance.”
Light therapy boxes may help combat SAD. Thiessen also recommends finding ways to brighten your home, such as cheerful paint colours, live plants or full spectrum lights.
“Create a ‘sunshine playlist’ of cheerful songs, and get your groove on” suggests Thiessen. Music helps us cope with stress, depression, and anxiety. Check out online Nia Holistic Dance Fitness classes with Natasha (Natural Food Pantry) HERE!
In the winter, studies show that people may eat fewer fresh fruits and veggies, overindulge in unhealthy foods, and crave the comfort of carbohydrate-rich snacks and meals.
It’s also known that our circadian rhythms affect hormones such as leptin that stimulate our appetite and hunger cravings, with sunlight (or lack thereof) having a big influence on these rhythms.
These dietary changes and lack of sun can create nutritional deficiencies.
“Many Canadians experience low vitamin D levels in the winter,” warns Toronto’s Dr. Yelena Deshko, a board-certified naturopathic doctor. “This can contribute to several health concerns, including low mood and a weak immune system.”
She also points to holiday meals and higher alcohol consumption during the winter as further contributing to nutritional imbalances.
Deshko recommends focusing on the following supplements in the winter.
“Your body doesn’t store it and needs constant dietary top-ups,” says Deshko, noting that winter factors such as stress or a cold may increase the amount of vitamin C you need.
“The vitamin D you stockpiled during summer is often depleted by winter,” she warns. Talk to your health practitioner about your vitamin D levels, and visit Natural food Pantry to choose a supplement that’s right for your needs.
“The importance of B vitamins cannot be overstated—they’re involved in virtually all bodily processes and are essential for metabolism, energy, memory, and healthy skin, to name a few,” explains Deshko. “Adding a daily full-spectrum B-complex, specifically around the holidays, may help ensure optimal health.”
“The liver is your body’s main organ of detoxification,” says Deshko. “It can use extra support this time of year. Look for a supplement that contains milk thistle, curcumin, dandelion, artichoke, and N-acetylcysteine.”
The winter season can feel stressful for many reasons, whether it’s uncertainty about the new year, or the chaos of juggling festivities and your family’s schedule. It can also trigger many emotions.
“Try exercise, particularly exercise you enjoy” suggests licensed clinical social worker Iris Waichler, MSW, LCSW. It’s one of the most effective—and most recommended—ways to manage stress because it releases feel-good hormones and endorphins.
Mindfulness is also a powerful winter stress buster. “Meditation helps us focus on the present and block out stressors,” says Waichler. “It relaxes the body and the mind, and even alleviates winter depression.”
Discover a fun form of online holistic-dance fitness via Natural Food Pantry that addresses mind, body and spirit HERE
Blog Post adapted from alive magazine
