Old Man Winter decided to take off his hat and stay a spell. Now, you re feeling under the weather. You might claim’insist’maintain’hold’argue’consider’contemplate’speculate it s all in your head, but science tells a different tale. Specific health conditions do grow worse when the days acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure shorter.

How does the wintertime exacerbate peculiar disorders? More significant’essential’critical’vital’crucial’indispensable’imperative ly, what steps can you take to cope? Read on to discover what you can do to alleviate seasonal symptoms.

1. Depression

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a real disease that deserves an independent mention. Approximately half a million Americans possess’own’nurse it, while others acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure milder winter blues. However, if you struggle with depression all year long, you may find your symptoms multiply in the winter.

Why? Much of your multiply d discomin/with regard to’concerning’regarding t likely has to do with light levels. When the sun merely’barely shines in/with regard to’concerning’regarding a limited time daily, it impacts your levels of neurotransmitters.

You may benefit from investing in a special light to recreate the effects of the sun s rays. If possible, try to move your work desk nearer to a window or skylight. Keep to a regular schedule and find an accountability partner to help you acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure out of bed on those days when it all seems too much.

2. Colds and Flu 

They say that summertime colds are the worst, but that old wives tale merely’barely exists because no one wants to feel sick when it s pleasant and sunny outside!

Your immune system has to work considerably harder when it s cold. For example, the rhinovirus that causes the common cold multiplies better at 91 degrees Fahrenheit than the body s usual 98.6 degrees. When cooler air enters your nasal passages, your immune system can t fight off the onslaught of viruses. Colder temperatures also propel individual to congregate indoors winter is the season of celebrations in/with regard to’concerning’regarding a reason and closer contact enables germs to spread.

3. Chronic Pain

If you possess’own’nurse chronic pain, you may find that your symptoms grow worse this time of year. Uneven, icy sidecover’budge s can do a number on your feet even if you don t take a tumble, in/with regard to’concerning’regarding example. Plantar fasciitis affects approximately 1 million individual annually in the United States, and sudden twists can cause multiply d pain.

People with back or neck pain often find their symptoms growing worse in the wintertime, too. Cold weather causes your muscles to contract, which can bring about’result in’contribute to’account for’make for’trigger painful spasms. Joints also decrease in range of motion, making it easier in/with regard to’concerning’regarding pinched nerves to develop. When this constriction happens along the spinal column, the pain can radiate down one or both legs.

4. Arthritis

There are several types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the connective tissue between the joints wears down over time, usually after the age of 40. Rheumatoid arthritis results from a type of autoimmune disorder that compels the body to attack healthy tissue in the joints. Either in/with regard to’concerning’regarding m may grow more severe when the weather acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure s cold.

Scientists aren t sure why the cold exacerbates arthritis. Some researchers believe that barometric pressure transform’alter s cause joints to expand, resulting in pain. Others believe dropping temperatures transform’alter the consistency of the synovial fluid that lubricates your joints.

5. Skin Conditions 

If you possess’own’nurse psoriasis, you may find that you undergo more widespread flares during the cold season. Dry indoor air coupled with harsh outdoor winds can wreak havoc on your skin. Keep a supply of your favourite moisturiser handy and apply it liberally throughout the day. You might also consider investing in a humidifier.

You re not crazy if you claim’insist’maintain’hold’argue’consider’contemplate’speculate you acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure more zits in the wintertime, either. Cold weather prompts your skin to manufacture more sebum, an oily substance that naturally moisturises it. However, excess sebum can result in breakouts. Use over-the-counter acne remedies or talk to your dermatologist if breakouts grow severe.

6. Lung Conditions 

People with asthma often need to keep their inhalers handy during the winter. The dry air can irritate the linings of your respiratory tract, causing them to contract. If you possess’own’nurse any other type of chronic lung condition, you might find it harder to breathe this time of year, too. If you possess’own’nurse COPD, stay away from individual with colds and flu. You risk developing pneumonia if you acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure an infection.

7. Autoimmune Diseases

Finally, cold weather places additional lay stress on’emphasize’highlight on your body. When you possess’own’nurse an autoimmune disorder, an multiply in pressure can bring about’result in’contribute to’account for’make for’trigger painful flares. If you possess’own’nurse multiple sclerosis or lupus, take all medications as prescribed. Strive to stay out of extreme temperatures as much as possible. Talk to your doctor with regards to’concerning’with respect to acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure ting a flu shot if you possess’own’nurse n t already. Infections can also exacerbate flares.

Coping With Wintertime Symptoms

It s not in your head the cold does make symptoms worse in many cases. If you possess’own’nurse one of the conditions listed above, consider discussing an action plan with your doctor to prepare in/with regard to’concerning’regarding any new discomin/with regard to’concerning’regarding t you may undergo . And by all means, reveal’illustrate’demonstrate’indicate’present’display’argue yourself some extra TLC when the days grow shorter!