Get outside

‘In the winter I do indoor activities in the evenings. During the day I get outside as much as possible, by taking a walk during breaks, for instance. In the evening I enjoy doing sport because it gives me energy. I think it’s important for you to make yourself go on doing things, especially out of doors when the sun is shining.’

Yvette Langenberg, Master’s student of Forest & Nature Conservation 

Face the enemy

1. Buy warm clothes at a second-hand store. Step 2. Get the ingredients for your favourite hot drink. Step 3. Go into the woods, the river area or the fields around Wageningen at least twice a day, whatever the weather, alone or with a friend, and walk for at least half an hour. Step 4. Look, listen and feel as you walk. Step 5. Go home, have your hot drink and a snack. Step 6. Repeat this until you find that Dutch winter is not as hostile as it may seem at first.’

Lieke de Kwant, Study advisor

Doctor

‘I know from personal experience that there’s a thin line between a winter dip like this and depression. To be on the safe side, go and see your doctor – that is nothing to be ashamed of. You can discuss the problem and its possible causes with the doctor. In my case, blood tests were done to see if I had any nutrient deficiencies. The doctor can also give you some lifestyle guidance or refer you to a psychotherapist if that is necessary.’

Margret Franssen, PhD student of Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles

Walking

‘Don’t just stay by the fire. Put on a warm jacket and go outside. Go for a 20-minute walk during daytime, at least once and preferably twice a day. Get out, and into nature, and keep up the pace. Walking warms you up and energizes you. Tip: Ever tried hot chocolate with whipped cream after a walk?’

Wies Leer, Head of HRM at AFSG

Happy hormone

‘Getting exercise helps. It gives you a sense of satisfaction and increases your self-confidence. During exercise your body makes endorphins. They are not called the happy hormone for nothing. Physical exercise is relaxing too: you’ll feel your stress level go down. So exercise seems to be the best medicine for a winter depression. If you do it out of doors in daytime, you’ll get a bit of light therapy while you’re at it.’

Ingi Alofs, Sports Coordinator at the Bongerd Sports Centre

[next]WURry: Covid quarrels

Do you have advice for this Wurrier? Or could you use some good advice yourself? Email your tips or question (100 words max) by 23 November to resource@wur.nl, subject noWURries.

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