Yasmina Kattou, edited by Romain Rouillard 06:26, December 21, 2022
The winter solstice, which occurs this Wednesday, December 21, marks the shortest day of the year.
At this time of year, the endless nights have a rather negative effect on French morale.
However, there are simple techniques to apply to avoid the blues.
It will be barely 5 p.m. this Wednesday when night sets in across France.
On this December 21, the shortest day of the year, it's not always easy to keep your spirits up.
These extended nights, which will last for many more weeks, are not without consequences on our daily mood.
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At the beginning of winter, it is common to arrive at work in the morning in the deepest night and to see the sun go down before even leaving their post.
With just over eight hours of daily sunshine, some people experience what is known as "winter blues".
"It can go as far as a kind of sadness a little in the background, without having decisive elements in his life which explains this feeling", describes the neuropsychiatrist Sylvie Royant-Parola.
Do not hesitate to go out and open the windows wide
To counter this seasonal pessimism, it is therefore necessary to track down the light.
"Between noon and two, you shouldn't hesitate to go out for at least 20 minutes, maybe half an hour for a walk. You have to take advantage of this light that is there, whatever the weather and even if it's raining. Going outside is really important," insists Sylvie Royant-Parola.
For people working indoors, it is advisable to open blinds and curtains wide.
If there is no window, turning on the lights can recreate (a little) the radiance of the sun.