The onset of winter brings change—for both nature and people. As temperatures drop, we have to work harder, and our bodies need more energy.
Energy. A rather vague term whose interpretation varies greatly from person to person.
According to scientists, energy loss can be measured based on certain criteria, regardless of an individual's lifestyle.
Michel Lejoyeux, head of the Department of Psychiatry at Bichat Hospital in Paris, cites several factors that can affect our mood and our physical and mental well-being.
1. Lack of Light and Vitamin D
Family doctors often prescribe it—this small dose of vitamin D—without knowing whether there’s actually a deficiency. Don’t skip it, though, because the lack of light in winter affects the neurons that transmit emotions, and these neurons rely on vitamin D. Taking vitamin D and getting any additional daily dose of sunlight will give your emotional well-being a little boost.
2. Daily Sitting
Let's be honest. Who really feels like going for a jog in the rain when it's 5 °C? And even our evening activities in the winter tend to be limited to a cup of tea on the couch.
Did you know that just 6 minutes of brisk walking can boost your well-being and improve your mood by 30%? You don't have to join a gym if you're one of those people who would rather run away at the thought of breaking a sweat.
A lack of physical activity plays a significant role in your state of exhaustion—both mentally and physically. Even just taking a walk around the block during your lunch break will help you feel more energetic.
3. Disruption of the Chronobiological Rhythm
The rhythm of daily life has changed—not only because of winter, but also as a result of the pandemic and working from home. Nutritionist Catherine Lacrosnière refers to this disruption of our rhythms as “internal desynchronization.” Despite the time change, which requires us to adjust to each season, you shouldn’t hesitate to observe yourself and figure out whether you’re more of a morning person or an evening person. Maintaining your rhythm despite all external changes is crucial to feeling fit!
Recharge your batteries in nature!
A study by the University of Wuppertal examined the impact of color schemes in intensive care units on patients’ well-being, health status, and medication use. The results showed that well-being and health status increased by 62.7%. With a new color scheme in the patients’ surroundings, medication use decreased by an average of 30.1%. The particularly positive effect was most evident with the colors blue and green.
Have you ever noticed how looking out at the ocean or taking a walk in the woods affects your well-being? Even a short trip into nature—even in winter!—can have a positive impact on how you feel throughout the day.
“From the perspective of alternative medicine,” says Muriel Neveu, who has been working as a naturopath for seven years, “we can all better prepare ourselves for winter.”
Prepare your body in advance
She agrees with Catherine Lacrosnière that any change—even a positive one—requires energy and time to adjust to. To cope with the transition as well as possible, you shouldn’t start the winter with a sleep deficit and a weakened immune system.
Take care of yourself in the days leading up to the onset of winter so that you have enough energy to adjust to the new season.
Listen to your body, its needs, and its signals
Listening to your body means becoming aware of the signals it sends you. Lie down as soon as you notice the first signs of tiredness: yawning, itchy eyes, heavy eyelids… Accept your tiredness, try to find peace of mind, and why not treat yourself to a little reading before falling asleep?
Good Habits for a Good Night's Sleep
It’s often the little things that make a difference, especially when it comes to promoting good sleep quality. This includes airing out your bedroom and keeping the temperature below 19 degrees, opting for a light dinner, avoiding screens before bed (which is certainly one of the hardest things for most people to do these days), and putting a few drops of lavender essential oil on a handkerchief next to your pillow to promote a good, restful night’s sleep.
Of course, you’ve already made up your bed with some wonderful, natural, breathable organic bedding and clean sheets so you can snuggle up and welcome winter! 😊