Summer vs. Winter: The real impact of season on your stress.    

Have you ever been aware that you are sometimes more relaxed in the summer and are at other times slightly depressed or nervous in winter? If yes, you are not alone. Depending on the season, our moods can vary, as well as our level of stress, and science has some interesting points to tell us why. One thing that I would like to discuss today is the impact of summer and winter on stress and what you can do to keep your mind stable throughout the year.

Ways Summer Relates to Stress

Typically, summer conjures the image of bright sunshine, longer days, and outdoor fun. All of which can be beneficial to your mental health. 

1.Sunshine Can Improve Your Mood 

Have you ever felt more positive after a morning walk in the sun? That's because sunshine helps increase the production of serotonin, which helps to regulate your mood and stress. In India the long days of summer give you a fair amount of time to get outside and absorb some natural light and improve your mood. 

 

2.More Outdoor Activity 

The summer is the season when it is better to appreciate parks, beaches or even a little garden in your house. Endorphins, the natural stress-relievers in the body, are released through physical exercise such as walking, cycling, or swimming. On my part, I can always feel a bit more light and relaxed after a morning jog in summer.  

3.Vitamin D Matters 

The sun assists your body in the production of Vitamin D that does not only strengthen bones but also helps in brain functioning and stress management. Being deprived of sunlight during winter may at times leave one feeling depressed or exhausted, which leads to stress.

The Impact of Winter on Stress 

Winter leads to a change in the environment, with shorter and colder days, and more time spent indoors sedentarily. While some people enjoy the winter season, others will find increased stress. 

1.Fewer Sunrays, Decreased Serotonin 

Due to shorter days in the winter cycle, you may be exposed to less sunlight. Decreased serotonin levels very easily can leave you feeling a little dull or irritable; the exact reason that some people experience a disorder called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a type of mood disorder that is triggered by changes in the seasons.   

2. Weather and Social Isolation 

Frigid mornings or cool evenings may keep us inside more, and less social interaction and physical activity could occur as a result. This can lead to increased feelings of stress or loneliness. Indeed, I often find that when I do not go for morning walks in winter, I feel less energized and a little tense.  

3.Comfort Foods and Stress Eating

Winter tends to bring about appetites for more heavy, calorie-rich foods to stay warm. While I do not see anything wrong with treating ourselves from time to time, depending on this too regularly can, sometimes, lead to increased weight gain, fatigue, and stress. 

Summer or winter: which is more beneficial for alleviating stress? 

And, now the more complex question: does summer reduce stress more than winter or the vice versa? 

In the scientific perspective:  

Summer generally promotes relief from stress through sunlight, outdoor activity and social interactions. 

Winter sometimes increases stress because of less sunlight, less activity, and social isolation.  

All of this does not mean that the winter is a negative season. For some, winter is relaxing, like being encouraged to slow down, establish cozy rituals and practice mindfulness such as mediation or a warm bath. The trick is to adjust your way of living with the season.

Strategies for Managing Summer Stress

1. Get Early Sunlight: Sunlight in the morning is softer and helps you maintain your circadian rhythms.

2. Stay Active: Even to the level of going for a quick walk or light exercise, it can boost endorphins. 

3. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can lead to irritability and increased stress.  

4. Think/Practice Deep Breathing: Fresh air and breathing help calm your mind.  

Winter Stress Reduction Suggestions: 

1.Maximize Sunlight Exposure: Keep the windows open in the daytime or at the sunny positions. 

2.Keep Social: Get and invite friends to spend time together or participate in winter activities to prevent isolation. 

3.Light Indoor Exercises: Yoga, stretching or home exercises are useful to relieve tension. 

4.Eat Mindfully: Add warming foods such as soups, vegetables and nuts, which are healthy. 

My Personal Take

Personally, I have felt that I am generally less stressed during summertime, perhaps because there is more time to be outside in the sun. However, winter is also nice enough, I only need to be more mindful in my attempts to be active and have a positive routine. The trick is actually that you need to know your body and mind and to change your habits depending on the season. 

Incorporating Mindfulness Across Seasons

Whatever the time of year, being mindful can be a significant source of stress relief. Simple practices such as meditation in the morning, deep breathing exercises or journaling may assist you to remain in the present moment and quiet, be it the searing heat of summer or the cold winter evenings. Taking a few minutes a day to concentrate on your breath or paying attention to the things you see around and what you can hear can get your mood even and reduce stress hormones which makes the seasonal changes simpler to deal with. And personally I have been inclined to feel that a brief meditation before an open window, with the fresh air bathing my face, does magic both in summer and in winter!

 Final Thoughts

Summer and winter are both associated with advantages and disadvantages as far as stress is concerned. Summer tends to have the same effect of relieving stress, whereas winter needs some extra attention to ensure the mental health remains intact. Through knowing how seasons influence your mind and your body, you can do easy measures to remain calm, happy and stress free throughout the year.

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