Does Darkness Impact on Weight Control?
Serotonin Plus Blog Does Darkness Impact on Weight Control?
"Spring ahead/Fall back" is the easily remembered line that reminds us to turn the clock ahead one hour in the spring and back one hour in the fall. Next week on November 4 we all get that one extra hour to sleep in on Sunday morning as the clocks went back one hour at 2 AM. What we really notice though is just how much earlier it gets dark in the late afternoon. The lazy hazy days of summer with the sun lighting up the sky until 9 PM is now replaced with cold and darkness starting to descend by 5 PM.
The winter months are characterized by less daylight and for a number of people that rely on the "outdoors" as the venue for their exercise, this change causes problems. It is much easier to find the motivation after work/dinner, on a nice sunny, warm evening or a mild early morning with the sun rising to get out there and run, walk, bicycle etc. However, the darkness and cold make it much more appealing to turn stay in that warm, lit up house.
Please consider having a "Plan B" for exercise during the darker, colder months. For me, I take Jake the Dog out for a very early walk in the morning, much more abbreviated during the wintertime, but then it is downstairs to the elliptical. For those of you that prefer fitness facilities, ensure that you make use of your membership by getting there at least 3-4 times a week.
Bears hibernate during the winter. Humans tend to slack off on their exercise. Do not allow the darkness and cold to negatively impact on your quest for improved health and happiness.