Officer Mike Kukolj is complaining.
He says it feels like he's wearing goalie equipment these days; the early setting sun is stimulating his appetite as if he were preparing to hibernate for the winter. Fact is, today, millions of people living in the northern hemisphere are also affected by this type of seasonal depression some might liken to the "winter blues." While a true SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder is a seriously disabling illness, D. Murstein, M.D of the University of Chicago says this milder version of SAD could still be impairing and uncomfortable.
With shorter daylight hours and the cold weather, folks who try to keep a regular exercise regimen tend to feel down and less motivated to exercise. The fact that they can hide their few extra kilos in thick winter clothing doesn't help either. What makes it worse is, when you don't exercise, you miss out on your happy hormones (endorphins) that you get by exercising. Whoa! You get grumpier!
Here are a few simple tips to fight "winter blues"
- Have some fun! Don't treat your exercise as a chore. Enjoying what you do at the gym is sometimes enough motivation for you to get up and put on those trainers.
- Are you less motivated to get physical? Shift to winter outdoor sports. Snowboarding is cool! For those who are the less adventurous kind, a lesson in figure skating would be fabulous!
- Get rid of that mouse and joystick and get lots of sunshine instead. We have less sunshine nowadays, so get the most out of it in the morning. Sunshine perks you up.
- Psych yourself up. Feeling down? Get rid of that negative feeling by getting your day's dose of endorphins---exercise!
- Get some company. Join a group or drag your dog along. You know...like how geese travel long distances? The energy of a social partner powers you up.
- Turn up the volume to some good music. Load up your iPod, which is a good substitute to some friendly banter. And it gets better with Volition Thought House's iMusic !
Well, Mike...get on it! Have some fun!
