As the temperature drops, many people find themselves not just reaching for warmer clothes but also struggling with a general decline in happiness and mental well-being.
The phenomenon, often associated with the onset of winter, goes beyond the discomfort of colder weather. It’s a complex interplay of environmental, biological and psychological factors that can even influence our physical health, such as weight gain, further affecting our mental state.
First, the reduced daylight during winter months plays a significant role. Less sunlight can disrupt our body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, leading to feelings of lethargy and depression.
Sunlight is crucial for the production of serotonin, a hormone that contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being. With shorter days and less exposure to sunlight, our serotonin levels can drop, so we…