As the days grow darker and colder, many of us experience the winter blues, triggered by scant sunlight. The lack of light seems to shift our circadian rhythms which in turn impacts levels of key body regulating hormones or neurotransmitters in the brain such as melatonin and serotonin. Essentially, we get stuck in a biological night state, and we feel gloomy and lethargic.

Kelly J. Rohan, Ph.D, psychological science professor at the University of Vermont recommends getting outside for a half hour every morning or going on a walk over your lunch break. It will improve your productivity, your motivation, and your focus.