01/22/2023
Say hello to the little friend that I made along a lake trail! Friends are important when it comes to fighting off the winter blues. I once attended a lecture by a local psychiatrist who had previously practiced in the western sunny states. He noted that when he moved his practice to the Midwest, he saw significant differences in the levels of seasonal depression in his patients. His advice? Midwesterners MUST be intentional about social engagement to offset the impact of reduced sunlight in the winter. Taking a winter walk with a friend is a great way to leverage the mood-boosting effects of social contact, movement, sunlight, Vitamin D, and nature exposure into one activity. This “high yield intervention” for mental health can have a big impact! Who are your best pals for walking and talking? ❄️🧣🥾🧤
