Finding The Light In Darker Days
As we head into darker winter days and experience less sunlight it is natural to feel different than we do during enlivening spring days. People experience an increased desire to sleep, less inclination for social events, a bit lower energy and perhaps a more introspective mood.
If we follow the rhythms of nature the ‘going inward’ mimics the plants and animals in our environment and offers a totally natural opportunity to restore our energy and replenish our spirit.
When we head into the season out of balance we may experience increased symptoms such as more frequent infections, melancholy or depressed mood, weight gain, excessive or disturbed sleep, lower energy and increased food cravings (specifically for sweets or carbohydrates).
Given that we live in a country of elevated latitude and therefore reduced light exposure for many months this can amplify the experience. Thankfully there are many simple steps to bring the light inside and elevate your personal experience during winter days.
1) Alter your expectations: We are cyclic beings in rhythm with nature and so reduced energy expenditure during the winter is necessary and purposeful. Listen to your body! If you need to go to bed earlier, or reduce your social activities to find your personal balance that’s just fine. You’ll have more energy and be on the increase following the December 21st Solstice as the light begins to increase naturally every day.
2) Take your Vitamin D: Naturopathic doctors recommend Vitamin D3 during these months as prevention for Seasonal Affective Disorder, immune support, and long term prevention. Consult your naturopathic doctor to determine appropriate dosing however a starting point of 2000 iu/ day is recommended.
3) Reign in your Stress: Demands of work, holiday events, finances and travel will amplify the above symptoms if approached from a place of depletion and overwhelm. Take steps to keep your stress in check with diet, vitamins, exercise and deep breaths! Ask yourself “do I need to do it this way? In this timeframe?” and most importantly “am I enjoying this?” to help determine if you need to change any commitments.
4) Exercise: Perhaps your routine changes in the winter with weather and light restrictions but continue on however you can. Perhaps dance classes, community recreation centres, skating or swimming take over from running or outdoor activities. Elevated mood, increased immune function, reduced stress hormones, increased metabolism, lower cravings and weight balance are just some of the many positive results.
5) Consider Serotonin support: If you continue to feel the need to find your balance despite the above steps you may be a candidate for further naturopathic treatments. The lowered light exposure does reduce melatonin levels which in turn results in lower serotonin (the positive mood hormone). Some possible methods to boost production without resorting to medication are through 5HTP, St. John’s Wort, Castor Oil packs on the abdomen and digestive support eliminating problematic foods. Dosing and specifics should be recommended during a personal consult with your naturopathic doctor as they do vary significantly. These treatments are considered to be ‘letting the light in’ as they do increase mood, deeper sleep and reduce cravings.
While we do want to follow nature’s rhythms to honour our cyclic nature it is also wise to know when to seek outside support. Naturopathic medicine and preventive health recommendations can do wonders to help you find your inner light during this season of increased darkness.
Wishing you and your family a balanced and restorative holiday season.