【明報專訊】Do you easily feel upset and hungry in winter? A new study shows that women are 50% likelier to suffer from the winter blues than men, and they are also likelier to indulge in snacks when they feel down.

The study shows women find it hardest to cope with the reduction of daylight. 44% of women find it difficult to get up in the morning, while only 30% of men have the problem.

Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings says that is very likely to be related to women's increased sensitivity to cyclical changes - hormonal, biological or seasonal. The winter blues make people crave sugary foods and carbohydrates and thus cause weight gain.

It is suggested that you can make yourself happier and more energetic in winter by doing regular exercise and getting in the sun.

( source: Daily Mail )

■Quiz

According to the above passage, which of following is/are true in winter? Tick the boxes if they are true.

(answers on the next text)

□ 1. Men find it harder to get up in the morning than women.

□ 2. Sweet foods are attractive to women when they feel down.

□ 3. Women like blue colour more than men.

□ 4. Men are less sensitive to cyclical changes.

□ 5. Eating carbohydrates and sugary food help lose weight.

□ 6. It helps beat the winter blues to have outdoor activities in sunny days.

■Words

blues 憂鬱

behavioural psychologist 行為心理學家

hormonal 荷爾蒙的

■Glossary

indulge (v) 放縱

cyclical (adj) 周期性

crave (v) 渴望獲得

carbohydrates (n) 碳水化合物