It is natural! We all feel extra lazy during the winter. We all turn off our wake-up alarms and try to lay down for a few extra minutes every morning. We all feel less productive and there’s scientific reason to it. According to reports, the shorter days and lesser sunlight during winters can significantly affect our productivity levels. It has been reported that our internal clock, or circadian rhythm, is affected by sunlight. This has a direct connection with serotonin levels in our brain. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, changes in serotonin levels can result in low energy, lesser interest in activities once you enjoyed, and feeling sluggish. Perhaps this is the reason a survey found that January is the least productive month in the entire year. As the winter drags on, the level of serotonin in our brain continues to drop. This makes us feel more sluggish and yucky. But signs of laziness may aggravate health-related issues.
Health experts suggest a few things that can help us beat winter laziness.
Exercise: No matter what, involving in some kind of physical activity is always helpful in keeping us fit. Yoga or any other exercise will keep you warm and also boost your immune system.
Healthy Diet: Go for whole grains along with fresh fruits and vegetables to boost immunity. Fish, poultry, nuts, seeds, herbs, etc must be included in your diet. Food rich in vitamin C also helps to strengthen the immune system. It is advisable to resist consuming high-calorie food during winters.
Manage stress: Try to be stress-free. For this, it is always advisable to a break whenever you feel stressed. You can do something that you like to give your stress response system a chance to rest.
Health Checkups: Less sunlight during winters and foggy climates give rise to chances of bacterial growth. Therefore it is necessary to go for proper health checkups as preventive steps.
No smoking and alcohol: It is always bad for health. While alcohol has a toxic effect on the heart muscles, smoking can aggravate heart problems.
Proper sleep: Getting good sleep is crucial and it regenerates the body while stabilizing energy and appetite levels.
