kAri Leibowitz has a PhD in social psychology from Stanford University, where she studied the role of our mood in our health and well-being. For the past 10 years, Leibovitz has been exploring people's attitudes toward winter and the ways in which they can powerfully influence our moods and behavior, culminating in her first book., How to Get Through Winter: Using Your Mindset to Thrive in the Cold and Dark Or hard times.
like a Fulbright Scholaryou Moved from Atlanta want University of Tromsø in Norway. There the polar night lasts almost two months.. How did that experience influence your view of winter?
I was looking for a research project and began writing to one of the world's leading experts on human happiness and well-being, Jore Withersow. He told me he was at the University of the North of the World and I thought: How does the world expert in human happiness live in this place where the sun doesn't rise for two months every winter?
I assumed that winter was bad for mental health and that people in Tromsø would be depressed, but I discovered that they have relatively low rates of seasonal affective disorder (sad) given how far north they are and how dark and long their winters are.
So how does the prevalence of Saath vary by location?
The latitude hypothesis suggests that the further north or south of the equator you are, the longer and darker the winter, the higher the rate of seasonal affective disorder. This hypothesis has been overturned by psychologists who discovered that light bulbs were an effective treatment for depression: they reasoned that if light cured the disorder, darkness must make it worse. There was some evidence of this, with higher rates of depression among people in the interior of the United States. When I carried out my project, many other researchers were beginning to question this idea.
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You analyzed the role of mood in people's well-being in winter. What are the beliefs behind the different moods you've read about and how do they affect people's susceptibility to winter? Depression?
Attitudes are our basic assumptions about the way the world works and how different things affect us. For example, we may feel that stress increases or weakens us, and research suggests that this can shape how we respond to challenges.
Similarly, we may have the mindset that winter is limiting or that it is full of opportunity, fear, or joy. The objective conditions (winter is cold, dark and wet) can easily be said to be cozy, magical and restorative, with subjective things like it's gloomy, boring and depressing.
His subsequent research has shown that People's mood is associated with well-being during the winter months. Surprisingly, the further north you go, the more positive attitudes people have towards winter. Those in Svalbard have the most beautiful views of all.It seemed to protect them from winter. Stress. How can we develop that attitude??
The first step is to appreciate winter for what it is, rather than wishing it were different and then trying to notice the happy things about it. For example, we may lament that we have less energy, but turn that around and say that winter is a time to do less and rest more. You can reframe your story about the weather. When it rains, the commute can be quite uncomfortable, but this weather is especially suitable for indoor and creative work. Some studies suggest that darkness increases creativity. Which of the things you focus on will have a big impact on how you experience the rain that day? These things may seem small or silly at first, but they teach you to notice different things about winter.
Many people are afraid to change their clock. How can we make this more bearable?
Sudden change is difficult for many people, but there are two things we can do. One is to prepare for and anticipate change. You can be realistic about the fact that you are going to be very tired and plan to do a little less and have some downtime. The second is to celebrate and elevate it. You can blow out the candles and have your first candlelight dinner or have a cozy movie night at home. Take advantage of the darkness and turn it into something you can look forward to, as if you welcome it.
Reminds me of research on the “fresh start effect” – He Various events can be used to mark a new “chapter” in our lives.with different behaviors and customs.
By implementing that little system of thinking, we can show people how much power they have to transform their experience of winter and sadness. You get real-time feedback on the effects of your actions, which is very powerful.
This brings us to their second strategy: “Make winter special.” What are your tips?
Ask yourself what you can do to make winter better. Just as you are excited to barbecue, you can eat different foods, such as soups. Whether it's swimming in cold water, going to the sauna or watching a movie on a Friday night. Winter is a good time for indoor recreation: music, baking, writing poetry, or going to a museum. I am an amateur potter and find it difficult to get into the pottery studio when the weather is nice. But in winter I can do a lot more. It takes a little effort to make winter special, but so are summer activities like going to the beach, and the same energy can be used in any season.
One thing I noticed while traveling is that all cultures do things to embrace winter, but you have to look for them. England is a perfect example. It's not as famous as a winter destination like Scandinavia, which you can go to. hygiene. But if I go to a London pub on a rainy day and there's a fire in the stove, I can order a mince pie and mulled wine. What's cozier than that?
Lastly, you advise people to go out: A strategy described by the Norwegians outdoor living. Why is it important?
It's a tough sell, but I see it in every winter community where people embrace and enjoy winter. Moving your body, being close to nature and breathing fresh air are natural antidepressants and an antidote to the “winter blues.”
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How to Get Through Winter: How to Use Your Mindset to Thrive in Cold, Dark, or Difficult Times Published by Bluebird (£18.99) by Kari Leibowitz. support Guardian AND the observer Order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply
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By David Robson Connection rules: 13 social strategies that will change your lifePublished by Canongate (£18.99). support Guardian AND the observerOrder your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply
