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Research shows that hibernating for long stretches of time, though it feels mighty compelling, isn’t really meant for humans.
When the weather forecast reveals digits lower than your shoe size, it can take everything you have just to scrape up enough gumption to get off the couch. That’s because, when there’s a deep freeze going on, it’s only natural to want to hibernate, says John Sharp, M.D., a clinical psychiatrist, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) specialist at Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, and author of "The Emotional Calendar: Understanding Seasonal Influences and Milestones to Become Happier, More Fulfilled, and in Control of Your Life." Yet, sequestering yourself indoors is hardly the way to feel any better.
Though the urge to shelter in place is strong, it’s much better for your mental and physical health if you put on (what feels like) all of your clothes and go outside anyway.
Research shows that hibernating for long stretches of time, though it feels mighty compelling, isn’t really meant for humans. “Too little sunlight is stressful and effects our emotional and physical wellbeing, making us vulnerable to being pessimistic and fatigued,” says Sharp. Also, it throws your circadian rhythms way off, which can have a detrimental ripple effect on your health. Circadian rhythms are responsible for more than just your sleep/wake cycles — they keep everything from your moods to your digestion in check.
Exposure to daylight, even in small amounts, can help keep your circadian rhythms in check, but it can also do so much more. Here’s five reasons to suit up and head outside — even though it’s freezing out.
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/healt...ing-ncna843331
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Originally Posted by nathanbforrest45
