If you want to know how to beat the winter blues, you’ll find the answer through exercise. The winter blues, or seasonal affective disorder, generally makes an appearance when the weather starts turning cloudy and cold. Medical professionals attribute the condition to a lack of sunlight in the wintertime. Symptoms associated with SAD include:

  • Problems with concentration;
  • Low levels of energy;
  • Decreased interest in daily activities;
  • Insomnia or oversleeping;
  • Overeating; and
  • Anxiety or irritability.

Exercise Benefits you Physiologically as well as Psychologically

Fortunately, many of the aforementioned symptoms can be reduced or eliminated by incorporating exercise in your day-to-day activities. Not only does exercise prove to benefit you physiologically, it also lessens the effects of winter depression too. That’s because endorphins are released during a workout session, which combine with the brain’s receptors to minimize pain. These same hormones also create a feeling of euphoria after at least thirty minutes of activity. An example, of this reaction is “runner’s high,” which is often experienced by runners who run for a long time or cover lengthy distances.

running in the autumn

Regular exercise is one of the best ways to beat the winter blues

The Advantages of Developing a Workout Routine

Indeed, exercise is a good antidote for a depression disorder like SAD as research suggests that it works as well as certain antidepressant medicines. The activity during a workout also speeds up the metabolism and increases one’s level of energy.  Therefore, adding exercise to your daily schedule puts anxiety at rest, reduces feelings of stress, and boosts your self-esteem. In addition, people who work out regularly find they sleep better too.

Recommended Exercise Activities

While most types of exercises will aid in beating the winter blues, recommended activities that just about anyone can include:

  • Low-impact aerobics;
  • Swimming;
  • Walking or jogging;
  • Yoga; and
  • Tennis.

SAD sufferers can benefit too by joining a workout group or exercising with a friend, which provides emotional benefits as well.

Talk to a Doctor First if you Have a Medical Condition, Such as Diabetes

Basically, you can start exercising as early as tomorrow if you are in good health. However, if you currently have a medical condition, such as heart disease or diabetes, check with your doctor first before you embark on a daily program of working out.

Determine your Fitness Goals

Think about the types of physical activities you like. Which kinds of exercise can you easily include in your daily schedule? Besides beating the winter blues, what types of goals do you want to realize? Do you want to lose weight? Or, is toning and strengthening your muscles your objective?

Where to Find Exercises and Workout Routines Online

Make sure that the activities you choose are ones that you want to do. Make your workout interesting and fun. An exercise routine does not have to be expensive either. You don’t have to buy a health club membership or costly exercise equipment in order to reap the associated benefits. Instead, look online for your workout routines. Check out the programs on the Web, such as those featured on such sites as Workout Box or Workoutroutine.com.