You go to work in the dark, return home in the dark and prefer to curl up under the covers on the couch with chocolate and Netflix. In the winter months, many people feel the same way: they don't want to do anything in the cold weather and early nightfall and prefer to retreat. This is completely normal, but for some people this unmotivated mood can develop into severe winter depression. Below you will find out exactly what this is and what tools you can use to prevent winter depression.
Winter depression – what is it?
People who suffer from SAD (=seasonal affective disorder), a seasonally dependent depression, often have sad thoughts, difficulty concentrating and sleeping during the winter months. You feel listless, irritable, tired and disinterested. They just want to sleep and feel hungry all the time, especially for sweets.
The reason for winter depression is the short duration of sunshine, so we can absorb little natural light, which in turn lowers the level of our happiness hormone serotonin. You can read more details about winter depression, its course and consequences in an informative article on the subject from the student health insurance company .
So that you don't get winter depression in the first place, we have put together a series of feel-good items for you that you can use to defy the uncomfortable weather and bad mood.
1. Lavender relaxation bath from Weleda
Treat yourself to a relaxing bath on cold, wet days, as this will not only loosen up your cramped muscles, but also calm your mind. Weleda attaches great importance to natural ingredients, which is why this lavender bath is free of surfactants and synthetic emulsifiers that can dry out your skin. The wonderful lavender scent ensures that you leave your everyday stress behind you and the soothing warmth drives away the cold from your limbs.
2. Daylight lamp from Beurer
The best method to prevent a lack of light - after spending as long as possible outdoors, of course - is a daylight lamp. The table lamp from Beurer with LED technology simulates the usual sunlight intensity of around 10,000 lux and can be placed on the desk or taken with you on the go. This way you can effectively combat symptoms such as imbalance, mental discomfort or lack of energy.
3. Lindt dark chocolate
Of course, too much isn't healthy, but a small piece of chocolate won't do any harm: it's generally considered a mood enhancer, but dark chocolate in particular can work wonders. Not only does it contain less sugar, but it also has a cocoa content of at least 50%, which contains many happy ingredients such as theobromine and tryptophan. In addition, the flavonoids contained in the cocoa beans make it resistant to stress. However, remember to always enjoy chocolate in moderation!
4. Shiatsu massage cushion from Beurer
Is there anything better than a massage to relieve tension and relieve stress? If there is no masseur, partner or friend available, the Shiatsu massage cushion from Beurer is the ideal replacement: It has four rotating massage heads, a light and heat function and can be used in a variety of ways for the back, legs, etc. The removable cover, which you simply put in the washing machine, is particularly practical.
5. Blackroll for fascia training
Sport is also a good way to get rid of the winter blues. If you don't feel like exercising outdoors or in the gym, you can also keep fit at home. The Blackroll is particularly popular at the moment: The self-massage roller is used to massage fascia and loosen adhesions. This relieves muscle pain and at the same time gently trains the body. There are countless exercises for the Blackroll that can be done comfortably in front of the television.
6. Organic room fragrance from Baldini
If you love essential oils, incense sticks, etc., you shouldn't miss the organic fragrance composition from Baldini: The aromatic room scent of orange, chamomile and vanilla ensures a cozy room atmosphere and mental and physical relaxation. The essences used come from controlled organic cultivation and are 100% natural.
7. Raclette party grill from Severin
Cooking alone or just as a couple isn't always fun - so invite a few friends over and organize a cooking evening together! Severin's raclette party grill is ideal for this: you can chop the ingredients together and then gather around the grill surface to fill your pans individually. In addition to the heat-storing natural stone plate, there is also a non-stick coated reversible cast iron plate that offers space for four mini crepes. In a friendly atmosphere with fun and laughter, winter depression definitely doesn't stand a chance!
Music, music, music
Put on your headphones or turn up the volume on the stereo to dance around the house to your favorite songs. Hardly anything will lift your mood in a matter of seconds like listening to music. If you want to breathe new life into your playlist, then you should register as an Amazon Student . This gives you access to Amazon Music and over two million songs that you can listen to online, offline and without advertising.
Look forward to the winter months with joy and don't let the weather, work and Christmas stress get you down!
We have some tips for you on how to survive the cold months without the winter blues.
