Winter Blues

Brr. In cold weather, people spend more time inside. Colds and flu are common. They spread more easily inside. But they’re not the only winter health risks.

Many people report feeling more tired and sad in winter. This is called the winter blues. What causes the winter blues? To find out, we spoke to a doctor who treats kids.

Your physical and mental health need extra attention in the winter months.

Why So Blue?

Sunlight is important to our health and well-being. It helps our bodies make vitamin D. Vitamin D boosts our immune system. It helps strengthen our bones. And it may help when we’re feeling down.

Being in the sun can also make us feel happy. Dr. Jaclyn Dovico is a pediatrician. “The sun tells our brain to send a special chemical to our bodies,” she says. “It’s called serotonin. That is what puts us in a good mood.”

Getting outside in the sun fights the winter blues.

In the winter, the days are shorter. There’s less sunshine. It can be too cold to go outside. Less sun means less serotonin and vitamin D. But don’t worry. There are ways to fight the winter blues.

Finding Joy

“Try to spend time playing and having fun outside even if it is cold,” Dr. Dovico says. “Be sure to bundle up. But come in if you get too cold!” Even 15 minutes of sun can make a difference.

If you can’t get sun, find things you enjoy inside. You can read a book or play games. Do an art project. Get together with a friend.

Feeling blue? You’re not alone. Nearly four in 10 people feel their mood decline in winter, says the American Psychiatric Association.

It’s normal to feel the winter blues. But if you can’t beat them, talk to a trusted adult about how you feel.