Are you getting enough sunlight?

British workers are being told to step out in the sunlight as reports reveal that shorter days and longer office hours are affecting our vitamin D intake. The study, by Healthspan, showed that many are spending just an hour in the sun every day as the winter draws in.

The average working Brit is taking in less than 10 hours a week, and with the average adult only taking a 33-minute lunch break three times a week, 77% have days where they don’t see any daylight at all. More than three quarters even admitted they can have occasions where they don’t go outside at all from Monday to Friday, and it doesn’t get better at the weekends; the average adult only getting around two hours and four minutes of daylight per day.

the lack of daylight leaves 56% feeling more tired than usual while four in ten are more likely to be grumpy. One in three have even worried they may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as a result of spending little or no time outside.

Being able to hold attention is best at the height of summer and worst in the depths of winter. Memory is at its best during the autumn equinox when the length of day and night are about the same.

“We may dread winter, but If you continually tell yourself how horrible winter is, chances are it will feel grim,” said Dr Meg Arroll, a psychologist working with Healthspan. “Try and change your internal monologue about this time of year by writing a new script – each morning use positive statements.”

The top 10 signs to look out for as winter draws closer:
1. More tired/lethargic
2. More grumpy
3. Unmotivated
4. Depressed
5. Unfit
6. Pale
7. Unwell
8. Unable to function properly
9. Hungry
10. Trouble concentrating or difficulties with sustained attention

Do you struggle to work in the winter months? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.