It's grey, damp and cold outside - just winter. This bad weather makes many people very tired and weak. But you can definitely do something about the winter blues yourself, because the weather doesn't really make you sick, according to the expert.

Outdoor exercise is everything

Even though most people find it very difficult just to look outside, plenty of exercise in the fresh air is important, especially in this gray season. According to Freiburg medical meteorologist Andreas Matzarakis, even a short walk can do wonders. “When I go out, the blood circulation is activated, the light gives the body impulses, happiness hormones are released.” This is not only good for the soul, but also toughens you up.

Don't blame winter depression on the weather

According to the expert, anyone who just blames the winter blues on the weather is thinking too briefly. The body releases more happiness hormones on long summer days than on short winter days; The sleep hormone melatonin tends to dominate here. Nevertheless, the professor at the Center for Medical-Meteorological Research at the German Weather Service in Freiburg emphasizes: “But this is not a meteorological problem.”

Instead, the ability to adapt to changes in the seasons and day length depends on many factors, but above all on age and health status. The respective condition is also determined by the medical history, hormonal conditions and factors such as stress or diet.

Sun and light always helps

“Light creates positive feelings via receptors in the eye.” This could also be a reason why people are happy about snow. “When there is snow, more light is reflected,” explains Matzarakis. But expectations also play a role: “Snow is associated with joy, but not fog.”

Constant temperatures ensure well-being

According to the expert, the phenomenon of weather sensitivity occurs when the weather changes quickly. In many people, this triggers symptoms such as cardiovascular problems, headaches, depression, breathing difficulties or rheumatism. That's why the body copes best with relatively constant temperatures.

Nevertheless, according to Matzarakis, it must always be remembered: “The weather does not make you sick. It’s just an additional factor.”

recommended after the summer solstice

From December 21st the days will be longer again. But that doesn't automatically mean that those who are sensitive to the weather will no longer experience such severe symptoms. Because “with every change, the body gets confused,” says the DWD expert.

But as is so often the case, spring fatigue also helps: “Get out into the fresh air.” Exercise doesn't always mean overdoing it and doing sports, as that can be counterproductive when it's bitterly cold or there are pollutants in the air. The expert therefore recommends that older and untrained people avoid outdoor exercise at temperatures around freezing point. Nevertheless, nothing stands in the way of a short winter walk with appropriate clothing.

Source:

star

Also read our fact checks:
Zillerbahntal e-bus charged with a diesel engine?
Yes, as a test! Climate science with quantum technology is an old joke.
Watch YouTube and earn money? Rip off!


If you enjoyed this post and value the importance of well-founded information, become part of the exclusive Mimikama Club! Support our work and help us promote awareness and combat misinformation. As a club member you receive:

📬 Special Weekly Newsletter: Get exclusive content straight to your inbox.
🎥 Exclusive video* “Fact Checker Basic Course”: Learn from Andre Wolf how to recognize and combat misinformation.
📅 Early access to in-depth articles and fact checks: always be one step ahead.
📄 Bonus articles, just for you: Discover content you won't find anywhere else.
📝 Participation in webinars and workshops : Join us live or watch the recordings.
✔️ Quality exchange: Discuss safely in our comment function without trolls and bots.

Join us and become part of a community that stands for truth and clarity. Together we can make the world a little better!

* In this special course, Andre Wolf will teach you how to recognize and effectively combat misinformation. After completing the video, you have the opportunity to join our research team and actively participate in the education - an opportunity that is exclusively reserved for our club members!


Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )