Mornings got colder, there is less sunlight and pretty much when you’re not at work, the Word around you is gray. Unless, that is, you’re in a well lit house or store. For a lot of people the transition from sunny days to those cloudy, rainy ones is difficult not only because they hate getting up when it’s still dark, but because their mood suffers from lack of natural daylight. There are machines one can buy that simulate it, but for a lot of us they’re not within a budget, so we have to look for other ways to lift our spirits. Eating a chocolate bar wrapped up in a cozy blanket is one way, but a nice workout producing good amount of endorphins is a much better solution.
Hitting a gym is a double winner, because on one hand you’ll have an opportunity to exercise all your body on different equipment or in several classes, and on the other hand gyms need very good light, which even though is not the same as the sunlight simulators, still helps out with your fall blues. The disadvantage of a gym is that you don’t get to breathe in fresh air, and even though you get plenty of oxygen, it’s the recycle kind which means you’re missing out on natural qualities like humidity, scents and the pure pleasure of outdoors.
Exercising outside this time of the year also has its disadvantages, but you can easily fight them in order to have the nature work for you and enjoy the natural bond between the body and the world. All you need is proper jogging or cycling apparel that will keep you warm and dry head to toe, glow in the dark bands or stickers and a good warm up and cool down routine. Make sure you know your path well, you have a light on your bike and that you stay within a cell range at all times, as it’s easier to get hurt at dusk. To be on the safe side you should also have a snack, like a power bar or a low carb bread sandwich, and some hot tea in a thermos either in your backpack or car. That way you’ll be able to keep your body temperature from dropping when you stop exercising.
The endorphins released during exercise will help you fight the sadness you may feel due to lack of sunshine, so it’s best to work out before heading to school or the office. Doing that you’ll get yourself more cheerful and taking on your duties will not be as depressing as it can be on those rainy, cloudy, miserable days.