You have low morale, you generally lack enthusiasm, you have trouble getting up in the morning, you tend to doze off and you feel a feeling of exhaustion at the end of the day... Don't worry, all this is normal ! This winter fatigue is physiological.
We will explain why and give you all our tips for fighting fatigue in winter and regaining your energy and joy of living!
THE CAUSES OF WINTER FATIGUE
1. LACK OF LIGHT
In winter night falls very early. The days are shorter and less sunny. However, light is responsible for the secretion of melatonin, the hormone responsible for falling asleep. In lack of light, your brain has trouble distinguishing day from night, your sleep-wake cycle is disrupted, you have trouble falling asleep, increasing your fatigue...
Also be aware that some people who are very sensitive to light can develop seasonal depression due to a lack of light.
2. LACK OF SUN
In the same vein, winter days are less sunny. However, the sun is at the origin of the secretion of vitamin D. A vitamin which is essential to our health and a deficiency of which leads to fatigue and muscle weakness.
3. A FIGHT AGAINST THE COLD
When it's cold, our body has to expend more energy to keep our body at the right temperature. However, an overconsumption of energy generates more fatigue!
4. OVER-STRESSED IMMUNE DEFENSES
In winter the body must also fight a large number of bacteria and viruses which increases its energy consumption and fatigue.
OUR 5 TIPS FOR KEEPING IN SHAPE:
1. TAKE A LIGHT CURE, BREAK AIR AND EXERCISE
Take advantage of sunlight whenever you can: open your windows or curtains as soon as you wake up to let light into your home.
When it's cold and you're tired, the temptation is great to spend your day on the sofa wrapped in your plaid. As we have seen, daylight promotes the production of melatonin (sleep hormone). But it also activates serotonin (the mood regulating hormone). So do yourself some violence, to find the fishing, nothing like a daily walk of 15mIn (ideally 30mIn) in the open air and in the light!
2. PREFER A DIET RICH IN PROBIOTICS
To naturally boost your immune system without burning all your energy, consider probiotics! These micro-organisms will swell the ranks of your good bacteria to help you fight against the viruses that lie around without exhausting you. You will find it in drinks or fermented food or in food supplements.
Be careful to choose the strains that activate the immune system: Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum… which you will find for example in the Food Supplement Go For Protection .
3. SLEEP ENOUGH
Sleeping is the best way to regenerate and fight fatigue in winter. This is the season when nature rests and hibernates. We have the same needs. Your body needs that sleep at this time of year.
Don't hesitate to take a nap during the day if you feel the need (and if you can!): 15 to 20 minutes will allow you to recover and be in good shape for the rest of the day.
4. TAKE A CURE OF VITAMINS, NUTRIENTS AND TRACE ELEMENTS
- Vitamin D:
To compensate for a vitamin D deficiency due to lack of sunlight, eat more foods containing it, such as fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, etc.) and/or don't hesitate to ask your doctor for advice. prescribe vitamin D supplementation.
- Magnesium:
As with vitamin D, a magnesium deficiency leads to chronic fatigue and a feeling of stress. So choose winter foods that contain it such as chocolate, oilseeds (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts), legumes (lentils). Prioritize whole foods over processed foods and favor steamed rather than boiled vegetables.
Tip: Know that vitamin B6 is an excellent ally for fixing magnesium and anticipating fatigue in winter. It is found in our Go For Detox Food Supplement .
- Vitamin C:
Finally, don't forget to take a vitamin C cure to feel more fit and to protect yourself from winter illnesses. You will find it in citrus fruits of course, but also in kiwi, spinach or even parsley. It is also found in the Go For Protection Food Supplement .
5. DRINK ENOUGH
And finally, drink enough (about 1 liter and a half a day). Because a dehydrated body is a tired body.
Kill 2 birds with one stone by consuming mineral water rich in magnesium such as Hepar, a green tea rich in vitamin C in the morning and a valerian tea in the evening to help you fall asleep!