If the winter season this year more than ever creates you discomfort, you are not alone: ”Changes in mood in relation to seasonality are frequent among individuals”, explains professor Di Mattei, psychologist
If the first lockdown per Covid it was lived with difficulty but also with the hope that it was a unicum that would soon be overcome, this second wave of infections and the consequent restrictions are experienced with greater difficulty. And the climate factor plays its part: if the transition from summer to autumn, with days that get shorter and temperatures that drop, has a negative impact on our body and mood, this year it can have even more. The reasons were explained to Gazzetta Active by professor Valentina Di Mattei, associate of Psychology at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University of Milan and clinical psychologist at the IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital in Milan.
Why does winter negatively affect mood?
“The mental and physical health of people is subject to the influence of the seasons. Changes in mood in relation to seasonality are frequent among individuals, with an increase in depression and anxiety during the winter period, up to real psychiatric disorders such as recurrent major depressive disorder with a seasonal course. Central to the role of exposure to sunlight which is an important regulator of our biological rhythms such as the sleep-wake rhythm “.
Why is winter, for many, even more difficult to face this year? Shouldn’t the fact of being forced into the house anyway in a season that is not very attractive to releases be a deterrent?
“This very special year has led people to redefine their priorities and to face new health, economic and social difficulties, especially affecting the youngest, who found themselves being away from school for months, and the elderly, a of the most vulnerable categories, isolated for need of protection. The pandemic has led to a limitation for everyone of their freedom. At the same time, the inability to carry out certain activities has also guaranteed more free time at one’s disposal ”.
What advice would you give to overcome this particular period of an even more particular year and to spend the greatest amount of time at home in the best way?
“A tip for dealing with this delicate period is to engage in pleasant activities related to positive emotions, alone or in company. For those with a family, it is rare to have quality time to spend together and it can be a good opportunity to take advantage of the holidays in this regard. For example, carrying out creative and playful activities with family members, finding time to devote themselves to the care of your body and mind (reading, watching movies, visiting a distant online museum, doing physical activity, mindfulness meditation, yoga), cultivate hobbies and interests that can enrich the days alone or with the family with courses, webinars or any other activity that allows you to spend this particular moment as serenely as possible “.
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14 December 2020 (modified on 14 December 2020 | 07:55)
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