The cold wave isn't just hard on the body; it takes a toll on the mind. With limited daylight and people cooped up indoors, cases of winter lethargy and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are on the rise. However, the hack to feeling better is literally right outside your window.
Despite the fog, catching the midday sun is a biological necessity. The "Golden Hour" for winter wellness is between 11 AM and 1 PM. "Spending just 20 minutes in the winter sun helps regulate the thyroid gland—the body's thermostat—and boosts serotonin production, which stabilizes mood," notes a study on cold weather adaptation . The infrared rays from the sun penetrate the skin and warm the tissues directly, providing deep-seated heat that a space heater can't replicate .
When stepping out isn't possible due to extreme cold, the focus shifts to indoor movement. Lethargy is the enemy of immunity. Simple activities like climbing stairs, skipping rope, or even following a 15-minute yoga routine on a treadmill can keep the blood circulating. "Don't let your body go into 'hibernation mode,'" warns a fitness tracker. "Physical activity generates heat and releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators" .
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