There are a lot of triggers for premature ejaculation. By now most guys know that indulging in excessive drinking, eating fast food, binge watching television shows and smoking can all contribute to this chronic and common condition. Stress and anxiety are also common triggers and ones most men already know a lot about.

But there are other factors that can be just as important even though they aren’t as well examined. In many cases they are issues that directly contribute to the condition or the issues that can trigger it. One of the biggest factors could actually be the season.

Conditions that are known to be exacerbated during specific seasons include depression and social anxiety. Winter is most commonly associated with spikes in these and other – sometimes related – conditions. So it’s become an area of interest for men who struggle with early or premature ejaculation.

In the winter, people’s habits overall change – and not always for the better. When the weather gets cold and night comes on sooner, we’re all more likely to want to stay home, hunker down and see what’s good on TV. We are also more likely to engage in comfort foods that are commonly high in fat, salt and empty calories. The holiday trifecta of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve all come together to encourage excess in eating, drinking and any other vices people may enjoy.

Winter is also a time when people don’t go outside as much. Leaving the house is usually only done to engage in other activities which take place inside. Going out to meet friends for drinks, a dinner with relatives and shopping are all great for your social life, but they can wreak havoc on your health.

The final result with all of this is a greater chance for premature ejaculation to strike. Eating more, moving less and the seasonal depression that can come about from the stress of the holidays bring on every major trigger for the condition.

Luckily, this fact doesn’t mean that men have to be resigned to their fate. In fact, the opposite is true. By understanding the increased risk, men can take proactive steps to keep the cold, bleak winter weather from affecting their personal lives. Knowing that it is more difficult to be outside to exercise and remain active in the winter means making different arrangements. Gym memberships or joining a class or group at the local Y can provide a chance to get moving, meet new people and stay engaged. Keeping active and involved makes maintaining healthy eating habits and keeping other lifestyle choices in check a lot easier too.

Of course, we are all vulnerable to over indulging at holiday parties or while trying to assemble Christmas gifts and other holiday projects. But having a solid foundation of healthy choices will make those indulgences a blip on the screen as opposed to a sign that more serious problems could crop up.

So what’s the key to keeping winter from signaling the cold front coming through your bedroom? Simple – don’t let the change pf season create a change in how your take responsibility for your health. Instead, make the most out of winter activities such as sledding, snow shoeing, skiing, ice skating and ice fishing – all of which can get you outside and engaged in life. Additionally, focus on the activities of family and friends instead of the heavy meals and bottomless drinks.

When the world gets cold in the winter that doesn’t mean your sex life has to head south as well. Stave off premature ejaculation by keeping up your healthy habits that will keep you on track. Not only will your winter run hotter, you’ll be able to properly celebrate each of the holidays on the calendar – and a few you can make up on your own!