Winter is the time of year when the nights are long, the temperature is cold and the darkness never seems to end. December 21st is marked by the Winter Solstice and brings the longest night of the year. When the days are dark, it can be easy to become weighed down by stress and held down by sadness. Our bodies can even feel the change in the seasons creating “The Winter Blues”.
We can look at the Solstice as a time endings. While some endings are painful or unwanted, others are necessary and can even bring relief. What closure could you use in your life?
The Solstice also marks an important transition into new beginnings. Just around the corner the days will be getting brighter. We will be able to wake up earlier to the light and it will last longer.
As we are working our way back toward the light of longer days, a couple things you can try to keep you going this winter time include:
Get outside, especially on a sunny day. This one may take a little effort but bundle up and step outside. Even a few minutes in the sunlight can help stimulate serotonin, ‘the happy hormone”.
Use a therapeutic light box. While this process is involved and is best directed by a trained professional, those who find themselves feeling fine in the summer but struggling with depression in the winter may be dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Those with diagnosis of SAD often respond well to light therapy.
Increase your Vitamin D intake. Research shows links between vitamin D levels and sleep quality. Vitamin D is associated with the production of melatonin, the natural sleep aid produced by the body. Darker days can bring a depletion of Vitamin D so for some, an increase in vitamin D can help re-regulate circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. Check with your doctor on what is right for you and be careful to not take vitamin D too close to bedtime.
Move. Exercise is proven to help reduce symptoms of mild depression. If you are feeling worn out or run down, incorporating even simple stretching into your daily routine can help.
Stimulate your senses. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus have all been found to help increase energy and mental focus. Check out some essential oil options or even grab that leftover candy cane for a quick pick-me-up.
Fight Winter Skin. Dry and cracking skin can make you feel down and can feed into the general physical and mental discomfort of the season. Check out the latest holiday and after-holiday sales to step up your skincare regimen. Putting a little glow back into your skin can help put a little glow back into your mood.
Embrace the darkness as a time of quiet reflection. Take some time to slow down. Catch your breath. What could you gain if the world stopped racing just for a moment?
If you feel like the symptoms of the winter are too much to handle on your own and interfere with your peace and joy, please reach out to us during this challenging season of your life.
