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Winter sometimes has this calming effect on us and can even be very comforting, but unfortunately, it also has a way of slowing us down. Statistically, in such conditions, people report feeling tired, unmotivated, and sometimes having the desire of not leaving the warmth of their blankets. Furthermore, what is more fascinating is that science has already figured out the reasons for this paradox.

Actually, slight changes in your home will not only keep you energized but they will also make you more lively and at your inner harmony during the winter season.

Why Winter Makes Us Slower

1. Reduced Sunlight Disrupts Rhythm

Short days also mean that a person's exposure to natural light is limited. Moreover, lower exposure to light decreases serotonin levels - the hormone that regulates mood and alertness- which is the reason why motivation gets affected. Besides that, it also confuses the body's circadian rhythm, thus, it can make a person feel sleepy even after a full night's sleep.

2. The levels of melatonin increase

Everybody knows that longer nights lead to more melatonin, the hormone that causes sleep production in the brain. Therefore, this is the reason why in the winter time getting up seems to be extremely difficult and the process of getting out of bed is much heavier than usual.

3. Cold weather slows the body

When the body is kept in cold weather, it sends a signal to the brain to start generating heat and saving energy, thus a typical response is less movement and drowsiness.

4. More indoor activities reduce stimulation

All of the points such as limited sunlight, lack of fresh air, and less physical activity lead to a heavier and slower mental state.

How​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Winter Slowdown Can Be Improved by Home Ambience

1. Warm Lighting to Reset Energy

Our biological clock largely relies on the sun, and warm, amber light is the nearest thing to sunlight. By the use of lamps, amber-toned bulbs, and soft fairy lights the mornings and evenings can be transformed into daylight periods when people are energetic rather than tired.

2. Invigorating Fragrances that Awaken the Senses

Humans’ mood and level of alertness are highly influenced by the smells around them.

Their face to face with winter comes very rarely because citrus, peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary are so prompt in coming out of their winter hibernation and in helping the body the very same way. RoseMoore explains, "Fragrance is a factor that influences winter health much more than people realize. When it is cold, the senses become less responsive and there is very little natural light, therefore a home may look dull and lifeless. An energizing scent -be it citrus, eucalyptus, or a well-balanced floral mix- will have the effect of not only instantly uplifting a space but also energizing the mind.”

The perfect one does not just look nice, but it also changes the emotional temperature of a given place and makes winter mornings more pleasant and calm.

3. Create Cozy but Functional Corners

The cold and lazy power of the winter season is so much shared with the bed that it might be the only thing that you find warm and cozy. Make secondary comfort places available–a warm chair with a throw, a cushioned reading nook, or a sunlit corner–to encourage movement while at the same time keeping a little bit of the warmth factor.

Saraf Furniture says: "Usually, winter pushes us to wrap ourselves in blankets and layers but the body instinctively still needs warmth. Nevertheless, a cleverly designed home can help you break that cycle. By layering soft textures, utilizing warm woods, and creating enticing seating nooks, you are mentally prompting the body to move rather than stay put. Comfort should be a means to facilitate, not a substitute for, activity.”

Properly designed winter space is a fusion of warmth with structure and tactile comfort that gives one a sense of being grounded, motivated, and even a little bit energized when it is very cold outside.

4. Bring in Natural Elements

Greenery, wood, and earth colors are not only the winter detoxifiers of the human, but also they are enhancers of his sensory system. Whether you just place a few indoor plants here and there or a couple of wooden pieces, you can still have a living and breathing home.

5. Maintain Moist, Fresh Air

Winter air which is cold and dry is the main reason for the lethargic feeling in a person. If humidifiers and diffusers are ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌on, one will take better breaths, be more alert, and feel ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌good.