"Unlocking the Secrets of Winter's Impact on Mood and Health"

Winter brings about changes in mood, thinking, and behavior. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects about 5% of Americans, leading to feelings of hopelessness and lethargy due to decreased exposure to sunlight. Winter is also associated with weight gain, potentially due to evolutionary adaptations to conserve energy during times of food scarcity. Interestingly, winter months see an increase in sexual activity, as evidenced by condom sales, STD rates, and birthrates. Additionally, people tend to be more focused and generous during the winter, with improved attention and increased charitable giving. These seasonal effects may only scratch the surface of our understanding of how winter impacts us.