Women, Fight Those Winter Blues

Hibernation syndrome is estimated to affect at least seventy five percent of women who live in cold weather climates. The symptoms include sadness, fatigue, achenes and cravings.

The cause of hibernation syndrome is related to neurotransmitter imbalances that are bumped up with seasonal weather. For example, hibernation syndrome causes the central nervous system to increase the level of the stress hormone cortisol that is released into the blood stream. Studies from the University of Miami School of Medicine suggest one way to counter this increase is massage. Twenty minutes of massage a week can cut cortisol production by thirty percent.

Does this mean women need to run to the spa? Maybe, but self massage works as well. Focus on areas rich in nerve endings, like feet, neck and scalp.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps people to feel upbeat, focused and energetic. When people become more sedentary in winter their levels of dopamine decreases.

The solution is one that most people won't mind. Hot cocoa is rich in phenylethylamine and theobromine. These are plant compounds that signal the brain to produce more dopamine. So a mug of hot cocoa really can change a mood, give energy and increase the feeling of well being.

Statistic's are staggering when it comes to how much time women spend indoors in winter climates. About 90% of their time is spent indoors. Usually, unless they have a great indoor exercise regiment, this drastically lowers the brains output of endorphins. With women, there is an interesting solution that helps at least 78% of them increase endorphin levels. Talking on the phone with a friend for 15 minutest each day steps up endorphins production. By all means encourage women to have positive phone conversations with friends.

The body's natural antidepressant is serotonin. Winter's weak sunlight and diminishes hours of sunlight can cause a dramatic decrease in serotonin. There is another solution to increase serotonin. Carbohydrates signal the body to increase production. The best choice would be addition fruit in the diet that doesn't have a drastic effect on sugar levels. One of the servings should be a banana. Bananas have a direct link to production of serotonin.

The brain's pineal gland is responsible for the production of melatonin. This is a hormone that helps us to sleep.Typically, the pineal gland gets its information from exposure to sunlight. Since we often don't get enough sunlight in the winter it is helpful to use a different kind of light in the home. The light needs to be full spectrum bulbs that are standard and compatible for regular household use.

These are just a few techniques that can be used to fight off the effects of hibernation syndrome.