Shorter days, longer nights, colder temperatures….this all means winter is upon us and we feel trapped inside.  Cabin Fever!  People tend to get depressed in the winter due to the lack of sun and inactivity.  I feel that exercising regularly can improve my mood and overall energy amount.  Let me explain how exercise is a powerful way to fight cabin fever and the winter blues.

Exercise raises the “Endorphins” in your body.  Endorphins are the “feel good” neurochemicals produced in your brains pituitary gland, during exercise.  The release of Endorphins is associated with feelings of pleasure, motivation and pain relief.  In fact, it has been proven that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medications.

Exercise can also help improve your sleep and boost you self esteem.  Aim for 30-60 minutes of activity on most days.  Even something as simple as walking your dog for example, can be good exercise for you.  It will also expose you to more daylight and you may get a chance to interact with other people.  This will all help you in fighting the winter blues!

~Peter St.Germain, PT.