How staying active during winter months is for good mental wellbeing
Regular physical activity and sport both have major benefits for mental wellbeing and these are especially important during the darker, colder winter months.
As the temperature plunges and the daylight hours fade, it’s not a wonder that many of us find ourselves feeling low compared to the summer period.
Because of that, it’s easy to hit hibernation mode when the cold comes, and the wind gets up. Naturally, it is harder to motivate ourselves in the winter and that has an impact on our mental health known as the dreaded winter blues - technically Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Physical activity can do wonders in improving your mood and energy levels. Scientific work has been undertaken to show sport and exercise can reduce stress and while simultaneously fighting fatigue, improving alertness and concentration, and enhancing overall cognitive function.
Regular exercise goes a long way to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilise mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem. As little as five minutes of aerobic exercise can help combat anxiety and stress effects.
Even if it’s not for long and rare in the winter, getting out into the sunshine through a game of sport or jog positively influences our moods. Harder to do in the working week but use that time to organise something on the weekend to ensure you make the most of the sunrays.
Winter can also lead to people becoming more isolated and sport is a wonderful means to get out there to meet up with people. This can be a game with friends, work colleagues or a local sports league in the community.
Exercise with others is a great way to chat in a less formal environment. If it's just the winter blues that is stopping you, it’s good to remember that social contact can help lift mood and make you feel a little better.
Book a game of sport today to ward off the winter blues but do be careful to wrap up warm and stay safe!
Guest blogger Will Chrimes is Head of Communication at Playfinder. For more information, go to playfinder.com.