It is 4:30 PM. You look out the window. It is pitch black.
Instantly, your energy crashes. Suddenly, you feel tired and sad. All you want is to put on sweatpants and go to sleep, even though the workday isn’t over.
You aren’t just “hating the weather.” You might have the Winter Blues (or Seasonal Affective Disorder). Here is why your brain hates winter and how to fix it.
You are basically a Houseplant with Emotions
Why does darkness make us sad?
Humans are like batteries. Sunlight charges you up. When light hits your eyes, your body makes Serotonin. However, when it is dark, you produce Melatonin.
In winter, your brain gets confused. It thinks 5:00 PM is bedtime. As a result, you feel sluggish, unmotivated, and crave carbs.
3 Ways to Survive the Darkness
You cannot change the sunset. But you can hack your biology to trick your brain into thinking it is summer.
1. Get a “Happy Light” (Light Therapy)
If you can’t get real sun, buy fake sun.
Buy a “SAD Lamp” (10,000 LUX). Sit in front of it for 20 minutes. Drink your coffee while you do it. The light wakes up your brain. As a result, you make more Serotonin.
2. The “Hygg” Mindset
The Danish people have a concept called Hygge. Basically, it means getting cozy.
Do not fight the cold. Instead, embrace it. First, make your home a sanctuary. Next, light candles. Then, buy fuzzy socks. Finally, drink hot cocoa. Choose to see winter as ‘Cozy Season.’ Do not call it ‘Sad Season’.
3. Force Yourself to Go Outside
It is cold. You don’t want to go out.
However, you must. Natural light is brighter than indoor bulbs. Yes, this is true even on a cloudy day.
So, walk for 10 minutes at lunch. This breaks the cycle of being trapped indoors.
Common Questions About Winter Blues
Is SAD a real thing?
Yes. Seasonal Affective Disorder is real. Basically, it happens because your brain needs sunlight to make happy chemicals.
Do I need a special lamp?
Ideally, yes. A ‘SAD Lamp’ mimics the sun. Therefore, it is very bright. Regular lamps are too dim to work.
Why do I want to sleep more in winter?
Darkness triggers Melatonin. This is the sleep hormone. Because it gets dark early, your body thinks it is bedtime at 5 PM.
Conclusion
Winter is hard. Permit yourself to slow down.
Be kind to yourself. Turn on the bright lights, eat a warm meal, and remember: Spring is coming.
Tell me in the comments: Does the early sunset ruin your mood, or do you love the cozy dark evenings?
