In a climate of miserable weather, cold & flu season, and low temperatures, it’s no secret that the winter months can be exhausting for everyone. And that’s not to mention the added pressures resting on the shoulders of students, with deadlines, living costs and housing crisis, so surely, we are all entitled to relaxing on the sofa for a few hours at the end of arduous days stuck in the library or attending lectures.
Of course, it's important to get outside during the winter months
Due to the lack of sunlight in winter, our bodies suffer immensely, with a sufficient lack of vitamin D, and a drop of serotonin levels. This can cause mood changes, such as feelings of depression, or in some cases, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This lack of vitamin D, which helps keep the immune system running efficiently, makes us more vulnerable to illness. The cold weather means that we spend more time inside, in confined spaces, which have poor ventilation. Germs linger in the air, and we are more exposed to them, leading to a greater chance of catching colds & flu. Therefore, not only do we have the stresses of world problems taking their toll on us this winter, but the season itself also overloads us with internal struggles, which gives us good reason to be especially kind to ourselves and take time to unwind. Watching TV can help the mind switch off from the day’s tensions and let us rejuvenate; there’s a reason why some people have ‘comfort’ shows – they provide just that! Therefore, watching these shows, chilling on the sofa, and taking a moment to withdraw yourself from the struggles of the day-to-day realties of living in winter months can be extremely beneficial.
We are all entitled to relaxing on the sofa for a few hours at the end of arduous days
Whilst it is, of course, important to get outside during the winter months, it is equally as necessary to take time to relax, and if that happens to take place on the sofa watching BBC iPlayer, then so be it!