With the arrival of fall, many may experience a drop in energy levels and mild feelings of depression. Seasonal changes are known to have a profound impact on our bodies, but how exactly do these shifts affect us? Gaining a deeper understanding of this can help us manage symptoms more effectively and even prevent some altogether.
Cold season impact on our bodies
Because of the shifts in temperature, humidity, daylight, and other factors, the seasonal change can affect us both physically and mentally:
Energy levels
- The most common experience during seasonal change to lower temperatures is increased lethargy. This is because hormone production gets affected by lower temperatures and reduced sunlight.
- When the weather becomes colder, our blood vessels constrict to conserve heat, which reduces the blood flow. The body works harder to stay warm, which leads to energy expenditure and fatigue.
Immune system
- The shift to colder season can drop our vitamin D levels, which challenges our immune system.
- Due to colder temperatures, the blood vessels in the nose and respiratory tract constrict, which weakens the local immune response.
- In colder months, people spend more time indoors, which increases the risk of transmission of respiratory viruses.
Mental health
- Reduced daylight affects the production of serotonin and melatonin, which are crucial for mood regulation, sleep, and energy levels.
- The changes in daylight can affect the sleep wake cycle. Especially because the sun rises later during colder season, and waking up in darkness means that your melatonin is still producing (the sunlight stops the production of melatonin).
Weight
- During colder season people crave heavier comfort foods because the body seeks more energy to keep warm. Moreover, the metabolism slows down in response to cold weather, leading to weight gain.
- In addition, people spend more time indoors during colder season. Hence, physical activity levels decrease, contributing to weight gain.
How to minimise the effects
- Dress accordingly to maintain body temperature, warm clothes, gloves and hats, to prevent excessive energy loss.
- Maintain a healthy, vitamin rich diet, and include supplements to support immune function.
- Engage in regular indoor physical activity to boost serotonin levels and burn calories.
- Get as much natural light as possible during the day, to help regulate melatonin production.
- Balance appetite and cravings, opt for nutrient rich foods rather than high-calorie comfort foods.
