Winter in Canada isn’t always exactly a smooth experience. Regardless of the province you call home, dealing with the tumultuous conditions that come between November and March (OK, and sometimes April), may leave us feeling lethargic, depressed and tired. From frigid temperatures to limited sunlight exposure to spending too much time indoors, more and more people living in Canada are fighting the ‘winter blues’, and many of us each year are fighting seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the clinical diagnosis for those feeling depressed during a particular season each year, usually fall or winter.
But, hold the phone for a minute. Before we get even more down on ourselves, and start booking impulsive trips to the Caribbean, why not try getting active instead? While everyone needs a good beach trip and some poolside time now and then, physical activity is a simple and effective way to combat the winter blues without the hefty price. In fact, getting active can help all people feel better in many aspects of their lives.
3 reasons why physical activity is key to fighting the winter blues
1. Improved feelings of happiness – Like we mentioned above, one of the first benefits you’ll see after getting active is a likely boost in your overall happiness. When you get your heart pumping and the sweat pouring, your brain releases feel-good chemicals such a dopamine, serotonin and endorphins that leave you feeling upbeat and happier.
2. Better sleep – We could all use a little bit more shuteye in our lives, right? Especially when we’re feeling the winter blues. Thankfully, by getting active, we’re setting ourselves up for optimal sleep, as adults who meet the weekly requirements of 150 minutes of heart-pumping activity report feeling more rested and less tired during the day than those who didn’t. And when you sleep better, you’ll feel more alert and ready to tackle the day.
3. Boosted immune system – Being active obviously improves our overall fitness, but it can also boost our immune systems. In one study, women who walked for 30 minutes every day for a year reported half the number of colds than those who didn’t. Physical activity may also help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways, reducing your chances of catching a cold or flu.
