By Allison Sadlier // SWNS
NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO & INFOGRAPHIC
Half of Americans are afraid they’ll suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder since the pandemic will keep them at home, according to new research.
Four in five believe they suffered from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD, a type of depression related to the change in seasons) in the winter of 2019 that ended with the arrival of COVID-19 and lockdown measures.
The study of 2,000 Americans examined how they feel about the cooling weather in 2020 and how they expect to handle it amidst COVID-19.
In an effort to get as much vitamin D as possible 47% expect their time spent at home to increase but 51% want to embrace the outdoors as much as they can this winter.
The survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Heat Holders revealed one in three plan on taking walks or hikes to get some fresh air (37%) while 21% can’t wait to build a snowman.
One in five have already fantasized about a dramatic snowball fight (19%) and 17% want to make snow angels.
Two in five wished they were able to spend more time outside this winter but don’t have the proper clothing to stay warm.
Still 67% already dread the winter more than any other season and two in three expect this winter to be extremely challenging.
Results found 57% think winter is the season that feels like it lasts the longest.
When it comes to parts of the season that really catch respondents in the winter blues the cold temperatures (25%), the arrival of cold and flu season (22%) and the lack of daylight (20%) were the top culprits.
Icy conditions and winter storms (both 17%) rounded out the top five most hated parts of the season.
Three in four feel the cold much more in their extremities than in their body with some parts feeling the chill more than others.
A spokesperson for Heat Holders said, “We wanted to understand how Americans are going to deal with both COVID-19 and winter. It looks like people are looking to be cozy at home and also embrace the outdoors more than ever before for fresh air and social interaction. The data clearly points to people looking for effective options to keep extremities warm, this is essential for comfort, both indoors and outdoors.”
Hands came in at the top of the list for coldest body parts with 52% and feet were not far behind with 50%.
Over a third hate to feel the cold on their face (37%) and a quarter (26%) complained about their ears.
In order to bundle up respondents have classic tricks like hot baths, sitting back the fire and a stiff drink to help warm up.
Respondents are looking forward to their cozy necessities like warm socks (54%).
One in two loved to wrap themselves in a blanket and two in five opted for sweatshirts (41%) and sweatpants (40%).
Thirty-eight percent have got to keep their fingers cold with a pair of gloves.
The spokesperson for Heat Holders added, “Body warmth easily escapes through extremities, feet, hands, head. Retaining this body heat is essential to staying warm and comfortable in the cold. This was the very reason why we created the warmest thermal sock.
MOST HATED ASPECTS OF WINTER
- The cold 25%
- Cold/flu season 22%
- Lack of daylight 20%
- Ice 17%
- Winter storms 17%
- Heat bills 16%
- Wind chill 15%
- Snow 13%
- Dry skin 13%
- Defrosting the car 12%
- Wearing so many clothing layers 11%
- Runny noses 11%
- Unable to spend time outside 9%
- Chapped lips 9%
- Stuck inside 8%
- Dryness in the air 8%
- Barren trees 6%
- Lack of social life 6%
- Nothing to do 6%
- Itchy sweaters
COZY NECESSITIES
- Warm socks 54%
- Blankets 52%
- Sweatshirts 41%
- Sweatpants 40%
- Gloves 38%
- Thick sweaters 31%
- Hugs 23%
- Thermal underwear 23%
- Hats 22%
- Wool clothing 17%
