Feeling blah? Tips to weather the winter blues

Survey from The Weather Network shows 43% of Canadians experience winter blues

OAKVILLE, ON, Jan. 19, 2015 /CNW/ - Canadians have a love-hate relationship with winter and national survey results released today, Blue Monday, reveal 43 per cent of Canadians have experienced or are currently experiencing winter blues. The survey, commissioned by The Weather Network, found that from January to March, Canadians are more likely to report feeling tired (54 per cent), lethargic (35 per cent) and depressed (24 per cent) rather than energetic (seven per cent) and happy (19 per cent). To help Canadians combat the winter blues, The Weather Network has partnered with Master Life Coach Bruno LoGreco to provide practical tips to get us to spring.

Canadians who have experienced the winter blues say fewer daylight hours (75 per cent), cold or extreme cold temperatures (72 per cent) and heavy snowfall (25 per cent) are the most common causes.

"In Canada, we take great pride in enjoying all the weather Mother Nature throws our way, but for some the cold, dark days of winter can be tough to deal with," said Bruno LoGreco, Master Life Coach. "The survey results show that Canadians make a direct connection between cold, snowy weather and feeling blue and, in the coldest parts of the country, this is especially true. However, no matter what type of winter weather you're experiencing, there are simple ways to feel better." 

More than half (52 per cent) of Canadians are less inclined to socialize, 58 per cent say they are less likely to exercise, 69 per cent sleep more and 71 per cent report a noticeable drop in energy during the winter. LoGreco says it doesn't have to be that way. He's helped many clients cope with winter blues and regain feelings of happiness and fulfillment and offers the following tips to help Canadians shake off the winter blues:

• Kick-start the day with physical activity. A regular exercise routine increases energy, mental and physical well-being and releases stress and anxiety. Check out your local gym for aerobics classes. If you want added excitement, try rock climbing or change up your exercise routine and challenge yourself. A fun playlist will give you extra bounce!
• A calm mind is a clear mind. Take 10 minutes daily and practice a mindfulness technique. Focus on breathing. Take deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling, slowly, through the mouth.
• Soak up the winter sunlight. Take a walk during break time and take advantage of natural sunlight even if it is cold outside. Keep curtains open and your workspace well lit.
• Express your creativity. You don't need to be an artist. Creativity could be anything you enjoy doing that is effortless and enjoyable (e.g. cooking and baking, woodworking and home DIY projects, etc.).
• Step away from your work area and take a break during the lunch hour. It's also a good time to replenish nutrients the brain needs to ensure you remain active and alert during the afternoon without dragging your feet.

The Weather Network indicates there is still a lot of winter weather ahead for Canadians.  Late January and most of February will feature a temperature pattern resembling at times what was experienced last winter, with below seasonal temperatures from the Rockies to the Maritimes.  British Columbia and Newfoundland have the best chance of seeing near seasonal temperatures.  In between cold snaps we'll see days with seasonal to above seasonal temperatures, but there are no signs that spring will arrive early this year across Canada. 

Additional survey findings

• Nearly half (49 per cent) of Canadians say the worst part of winter is shoveling snow while 48 per cent dread getting up early to start their car
• Canadians say they combat the winter blues by:
  • Staying in and cuddling on the couch (53 per cent)
  • Indulging in comfort food (38 per cent)
  • Taking a vacation (23 per cent)
  • Taking a walk outside (23 per cent)
  • Praying for warm weather (19 per cent)
• 81 per cent of Canadians say their mood improves as the weather gets warmer
• 46 per cent have more of an appetite in the winter than summer; higher for women (50 per cent) versus men (42 per cent)

Weather forecasts may change, so for the most current weather information tune in on TV or visit www.theweathernetwork.com, or download the app when you're on the go from www.theweathernetwork.com/weather-apps/mobile.

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About the survey
From January 5th to January 6th 2015 an online survey was conducted among 1,007 randomly selected Canadian adults who are Angus Reid Forum panelists. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to education, age, gender and region (and in Quebec, language) Census data to ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of Canada. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

About Bruno LoGreco
Master life coach, speaker, and author Bruno LoGreco has been providing enlightening ideas to men, women, and professionals since 2000 when he first began to apply his natural gifts to help others who struggle to achieve happiness and fulfillment to reach their full potential. Bruno LoGreco is the author of Polishing the Diamond Within, Stop Sabotaging Your Life, 3 Steps To Your Full Potential, and has a reoccurring role on Canada's smash hit TV series Style by Jury. Bruno LoGreco is a creative, intuitive problem solver with a passion for affecting positive change in others. For more information on Bruno LoGreco please visit: http://www.brunologreco.com or follow Bruno LoGreco on Twitter @BrunoLoGreco

About Pelmorex Media Inc.
Celebrating 25 years, Pelmorex Media Inc. is the parent company of The Weather Network, MétéoMédia, Beat the Traffic and Eltiempo.es. Pelmorex operates in Canada, US, Spain and the UK. The Weather Network and its French counterpart MétéoMédia are Canada's most popular weather and information services on TV, web and smartphone apps. Pelmorex owns Eltiempo, Spain's leading multi-platform weather information provider. With strong roots in weather, we continue to leverage technology and science to help consumers plan their day by expanding the Pelmorex family to include Beat the Traffic, a leading multi-platform brand that finds the fastest route from point A to point B. Pelmorex also operates Canada's National Alerting Aggregation and Dissemination System (NAADS) which aggregates and distributes emergency alerts issued by authorized government agencies. Pelmorex has been named Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for eight consecutive years.

SOURCE The Weather Network