Winter Woes: Average Brit didn't see daylight for more than two days a week in winter
The average Brit didn't see daylight for two and a half days each week during the winter months, a study reveals.
Bad weather (46%), long hours on the job (38%), and working from home (28%) have been cited as the top reasons to stay inside since last November, a poll of 5,000 UK adults finds.
A quarter said they didn't even find any time to take quick walks during the day, while 19% described their day as being too busy to take a break.
More than one in five (22%) revealed they only experienced one hour outside per day, with 69%, understandably, claiming their mood is negatively affected by this.
As a direct result of the season, most Brits identify with having 'less get up and go' in the darker months (59%) and feeling more tired and drained (57%), with one in three (32%) feeling they achieve less.
More than a third (37%) said low motivation gets in the way of them looking after themselves, while 28% felt their mood affected their self-care, with one in four blaming a lack of time for not being more active.
AXA health, which commissioned the research, has teamed up with broadcaster and DJ Jo Whiley to show the nation how doing just short bursts of activity can make a positive impact on our physical and mental health.
Whiley, 56, said, "It seems the same for a lot of people, that when the skies are brighter and days are longer, it puts us in a better mood.
“It’s important to keep on top of your health and wellbeing, even if you’re not feeling quite up to it, and a few short minutes doing something active or being outside can really help.
“A couple of star jumps while the kettle boils or belting out your favourite ballad while hoovering can do wonders for your physical and mental health.”
Read more: Be gone Winter Blues – look after your wellbeing with these expert tips
Watch: What to do if seasonal affective disorder is bringing you down
The study also discovered that more than half (59%) dread when the darker months get closer – but 61% have a boost of energy when the winter sun comes out.
The top ways adults looked after their health and wellbeing through the darker months was by going for a walk (49%), speaking to or seeing friends (35%), and a quick workout (22%).
With lighter days ahead, many adults have begun taking steps to help them feel good, including getting an early night, only working the hours they're paid to, and doing short bursts of exercise, as well as taking breaks away from the desk and getting a seasonal affective disorder (SAD) lamp.
Read more: How to beat the January blues - by happiness therapists
The NHS reports that some people with SAD find light therapy can improve their mood considerably, which involves sitting by a special lamp called a lightbox for around 30 minutes to an hour in the morning. Always speak to your GP if you're unsure about the suitability of a particular product, or to find out whether you can use one.
Determined to encourage the nation to become more active and raise spirits, AXA Health is installing three 'larger-than-life' table lamps fitted with SAD bulbs in London, Manchester, and Glasgow, to help combat winter blues and provide some cheer and warmth for passers by.
AXA Health’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Annabel Bentley, said: “The shorter days can feel draining, especially if you are seeing very few daylight hours.
“Every day, however, we’re gaining a few minutes of daylight, and with the clocks set to go forward in March, there are plenty of small changes we can make to take advantage of the increase in daylight and help us feel good.
“Getting outside for 10 minutes when taking a phone call, or cooking up a new dish, or even being indoors but with the windows open, can help boost your mood without you even realising.”
There is much optimism for spring and summer, with two-thirds (67%) of UK adults saying they will make the most of the warmer season by stepping outside more, 59% planning to walk more and 43% intending to visit more places.
Read more: The health risks of lack of sunlight
Showing that taking on board the campaign's suggestion is worthwhile, 71% of those surveyed, via One Poll, agree that short bursts of activity such as going for a five-minute walk or meditation can make them feel better.
Other top things that can put Brits in a good place mentally are a sunny day (56%), a good night's sleep (51%), and learning a new hobby (15%).
AXA Health’s giant SAD lamps will be at King’s Cross in London (24-25 Feb), Spinningfields Square in Manchester (27-28 Feb), and Fort Shopping Centre in Glasgow (3-4 March).
If you think you might have SAD, which is a more serious version of simply feeling 'blue', and a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern, seek advice from your GP.
Symptoms may include a persistent low mood, loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities, irritability, feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness, feeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day, sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning, craving carbs and gaining weight.
Additional reporting by SWNS.
