Post Classifieds
Don't get pulled into annual winter lull
By Samantha Wulff
On February 27, 2013
Hitting the snooze button ten times - taking forever to get out of bed - feeling
unproductive and tired all day long. Yep, that's me. But chances are, it's you too.
We've all experienced some, if not all of these symptoms a few times this semester.
The good news is it's not our fault. Why would we choose to be groggy, zombie-like
versions of ourselves? We wouldn't. Being lazy and unproductive could be fun for a day
or so, but stuff needs to get done!
Writing papers, reading textbooks, meeting deadlines and trying to just think is no fun
when all motivation is lost.
The culprit of this epidemic is easy to spot. It's all around us. We walk in it, drive in it,
fight with it. And it wants to stick around forever.
Winter, it makes us downright lazy - it's a fact.
Because of the short days and limited sunlight during winter, our brains end up making
less of that feel-good chemical we all like, serotonin. Decreased serotonin levels can lead
to fatigue, exhaustion and even depression.
And while sunlight has many positive effects on our health, like aiding in the production
of Vitamin D, we end up seeing less of them this time of year. While high levels of
Vitamin D aid in strengthening many of our bodily symptoms, less sun exposure means
we are making less of it. These low levels aren't helping us get off that couch at all.
Neurologist Dr. Stasha Gominak says that low levels of Vitamin D actually send our
bodies the message to "sleep longer, store more fat until spring."
Great. Our body basically hibernates and gains weight all winter. That's why many of us
may now have strange sleeping patterns, or just want to sleep all the time. This season is
truly working against any of our efforts to be energetic.
Yes, it would be much easier to stay indoors, hibernate and succumb to the nature
of winter instead of walking out in below-freezing weather, shoveling the sidewalk,
brushing off the car and getting bundled up to go out and do something. Easier, yes.
Better? No.
Of course it is more difficult to find energy and motivation amidst the howling winds
and frozen fingers, but it's not impossible. We all have to combat the effects of winter. It
makes us stronger and is just another barrier to overcome.
Wrapping yourself up in a blanket, watching movies and eating compulsively will not
give any sense of accomplishment once the snow melts and the sun comes out. What will
make you feel good about yourself is staying active and pushing through the slump.
Don't allow yourself to sleep all day - set an alarm. Don't lounge around without a
purpose - make a "to do" list and get it done! Stimulate your mind - read a good book
or have an intelligent conversation. Strengthen your body - go to the gym.
Taking small steps like these will make this dark, cold and icy season more bearable.
Staying active is actually one of the best ways to fight winter sloth. Working out boosts
serotonin and dopamine levels, and makes us feel good.
Although fitness centers tend to see a decrease in memberships this time of year, don't be
a part of the trend.
Find a gym buddy. Friends can provide support and friendly competition. And on those
days you don't really feel like going, hopefully they will, and they will drag you along.
So yes, winter does make us lazy (among other things). It's scientifically proven. But we
can put up a fight.
Being familiar with western New York winters, I'd say we have a good two months
ahead of us, and personally I'm not willing to give up that much of my time. Neither
should you.
Grab that coffee when you need it. It's not cheating, it's adjusting to your opponent. Try
to make good choices, for each one will lead to another.
Bottom line is, don't let winter get you down, and we can all rejoice when spring arrives.
Samantha Wulff can be reached by email at wulff.record@live.com.
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
Recent The Record News Articles
We've Moved to www.buffstaterecord.com!
Please visit www.buffstaterecord.com for all your latest campus news and updates from our staff of student journalists.
Obama divulges new higher education initiative during visit to UB
President Barack Obama delivered his new plan for making a college education more affordable to a packed auditorium at the University at...
Ailing Podolefsky steps down as president
Aaron Podolefsky has announced he will step down as president of SUNY Buffalo State, effective July 31, to concentrate on his...
Discuss This Article
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST THE RECORD NEWS
- We've Moved to www.buffstaterecord.com!
- Obama divulges new higher education initiative during visit to UB
- Ailing Podolefsky steps down as president
- SUNY appoints Cohen interim president
- President Podolefsky announces leave to fight cancer
- Rappers put Pepsi in a bind
- Congrats to grads: take next step with gratitude
RECENT THE RECORD CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- Moving Resources For Military Families
- Historic Agreement Signed By Red Cross and Armed Forces
- Salonpas® Brand Stands the Test of Time
- Tips to “Yard Your Way” This Spring
- Upgraded Upstate Power Grid Will Deliver a Smarter,...
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
- Clear the Air of Indoor Pollutants This Spring
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- Youth Apprenticeship Week Spotlights Opportunities
- New Expo Showcases AI Innovation
- Self-Care and Mental Health Tips for Caregivers
- Adventure Awaits: Discover the Playset that Brings...
- Need Auto Glass Repair? Don’t Despair
- Pioneering Fast and Affordable Broadband for the Underserved
- 7 Reasons Renting an RV Should Be On Every Family’s S...
- Don’t Let Diabetes Shortchange Your Golden Years
- No Child is Forgotten By Marine Toys for Tots
- Sweeten Your Springtime Salads With Healthy Chilean Grapes
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Guidenar Launches New Career Test for Gen Z
- GotIt! Education Offers MathGPT Free to All State & Community Colleges
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK
