Your morale is low, you lack general enthusiasm, you have trouble getting up in the morning, you tend to get sleepy and you feel exhausted at the end of the day... Don't worry, all of this is normal! This winter fatigue is physiological.
We're going to explain why and give you all our tips for fighting fatigue in winter and regaining your energy and your zest for life!
WINTER FATIGUE: THE CAUSES
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. When there is a lack of light, your brain has difficulty distinguishing day from night, your sleep-wake cycle is disrupted, you have difficulty 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 SUNSHINE In the same vein, winter days are less sunny. However, the sun is responsible for the secretion of vitamin D. A vitamin that is essential to our health and a deficiency of which leads to fatigue and muscle weakness.
3. FIGHTING THE COLD When it's cold, our bodies must expend more energy to keep our bodies at the right temperature. However, over-consuming energy leads to more fatigue!
4. OVER-STREAMED 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 FIT:
1. GET LIGHT, GET SOME AIR AND EXERCISE Take advantage of sunlight whenever you can: open your windows or curtains as soon as you wake up to let the light into your home.
When it's cold and we're tired, the temptation is great to spend the day on the couch wrapped in a blanket. As we've seen, daylight promotes the production of melatonin (the sleep hormone). But it also activates serotonin (the mood-regulating hormone). So, do yourself a favor; to get back on track, there's nothing like a daily 15-minute walk (ideally 30 minutes) in the fresh air and light!
2. CHOOSE A DIET RICH IN PROBIOTICS To naturally boost your immune system without burning all your energy, consider probiotics! These microorganisms will swell the ranks of your good bacteria to help you fight off lingering viruses without exhausting you. You'll find them in fermented drinks, foods, or supplements.
Be careful to choose strains that activate the immune system: Lactobacillusplantarum, Bifidobacteriumbifidum, Bifidobacteriumlongum, etc. which you will find, for example, in the Go For Protection Food Supplement .
3. GET ENOUGH SLEEP 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 this sleep during this time of year.
Also, don't hesitate to take a short nap during the day if you feel the need (and if you can manage it!): 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 a lack of sunlight, eat more foods containing it, such as oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, etc.) and/or don't hesitate to ask your doctor to prescribe a vitamin D supplement.
- Magnesium:
Just like vitamin D, a magnesium deficiency leads to chronic fatigue and a feeling of stress. Therefore, in winter, favor foods that contain it, such as chocolate, oilseeds (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts), and legumes (lentils). Choose whole foods over processed foods and opt for steamed vegetables rather than boiled ones. Tip: Be aware 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 course of vitamin C to feel better and protect yourself from winter illnesses. You'll find it in citrus fruits, of course, but also in kiwi, spinach, and parsley. It's also found in the Go For Protection Food Supplement .
5. DRINK ENOUGH And finally, drink enough (about 1.5 liters per day). Because a dehydrated body is a tired body.
Kill two birds with one stone by drinking mineral water rich in magnesium like Hepar, a green tea in the morning rich in vitamin C and a valerian herbal tea in the evening to help you fall asleep!
