Ever wonder why you feel down more often during these short, dark, cold days?
It’s all about your body’s natural rhythms.
Your body’s light sensors, located in your eyes, help regulate a delicate balance between melatonin (the sleep hormone) and serotonin (a mood booster). They’re particularly sensitive to the bright morning light that signals your brain to start the day.
This natural wake-up call is disrupted by fewer daylight hours and darker mornings. That means more melatonin, less serotonin, and the general chaos you feel in your internal clock.
These mood changes, often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), affect millions, especially people living farther from the equator where winter days are shortest.
Fortunately, there are ways to manage the symptoms of SAD between now and the spring equinox.
First, aim to get outside within two hours of waking up, even on cold, cloudy days. The morning light tells your brain, “It’s daytime!” which helps regulate your sleep and mood. A 15-minute walk around the block can make a surprising difference.
Then, flood your space with as much light as possible. Open those curtains wide and position yourself near windows where you can. Consider getting a light therapy lamp. Turning it on and sitting next to it for 20-30 minutes while having your morning coffee can help boost your mood and energy.
Movement is medicine and any kind of movement will do. You don’t need to walk or run for miles or stress about intense workouts. Dance to your favorite music, stretch, or do some gentle yoga. Find a kind of movement you enjoy so you’ll be more likely to do it and experience the benefits.
Though our tendency might be hibernation, social connections matter more than ever in winter. Text a friend, schedule a weekly video chat, or join a local club. Even brief social interactions can lift your mood significantly.
Structure helps too. Try to wake up and go to bed at consistent times. Plan one thing each day to look forward to, even something small like a favorite podcast or hot bath.
Most importantly, be gentle with yourself. Winter blues are real, and you’re not “just being lazy.” If you’re struggling, contact a mental health professional – they can provide additional strategies tailored to you.
Spring will come again. Until then, these small daily actions can help make winter more manageable. You’ve got this, and you’re not alone in this journey.
Looking for a mental health professional to help you navigate the winter blues? Explore our psychotherapy with us.
