ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - With the holidays over, we're heading into the cold, dark days of winter that can be difficult during the best of times, much less during a pandemic. Washington University in St. Louis Psychologist Tim Bono, who is known as the Professor of Happiness, says there are several ways to make the months ahead more bearable.
For one, he says, get some sun, "When sunlight enters the visual system it activates a neuro-circuit in the brain that regulators our mood and our motivation and, because of the shortened days, we often don't spend as much time outside."
And while we can't get together during the pandemic, Bono suggests it's important we reach out to our friends and family.
"Capitalizing on technology, whether that's Zoom, Facetime or an old fashioned phone call, maintaining connection with other people, even if it's not as good as being in person, it's still pretty good to have a phone call or video chat with other people as much as possible," he says.
When it comes to New Year's resolutions, Bono says it's okay to make them St. Patrick's Day resolutions.
"This (January and February) is when psychologists see high incidents of seasonal affective disorder, even for people who don't have significant mental health disorders, this is when a lot of people are experiencing the winter blues," he says.
He says you might have more success making lifestyle changes in the spring, when there's more motivation and more opportunity to get with people who can support you.
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