A Seasoned Athlete

How adapting your diet and training to seasonal changes can deliver the best results

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE COLD AND DARK OF WINTER NOT ONLY AFFECTS US MENTALLY, PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY, BUT ALSO HORMONALLY? THE TRANSITION BACK INTO WARMER SEASONS ALSO HAS AN IMPACT.

Some of the seasonally-linked psychological symptoms are even associated to a medical condition known as SAD – seasonal affective disorder (we wrote about it in our May-June 2018 issue).

For most the change from winter to summer is a positive metamorphosis as we ditch the layers of clothing in response to the rising temperatures and the earlier sunrises, which elevate our moods and our motivation levels.

But it’s more than a psychological effect, as there are also actual hormonally-driven physiological changes that occur during these seasonal shifts. These changes can impact on our ability to lose the winter weight, or perform at our best in the gym, or even at work. But what, exactly, drives these seasonal variations?

Seasonal mind games

Well, from a psychological standpoint, the change of season can offer a temporal marker – a significant point in time – which offers a powerful form of motivation. Just like the start of a New Year infuses us with the desire to make meaningful changes in our lives with ambitious resolutions, the start of a new season can have a similar effect.

This transition period also serves as an opportunity to change your routine by heading outdoors to perform different activities or take on new challenges – perhaps a trail run or an outdoor group activity – which can help to revive a stale winter workout routine.

Happy hormones