Winter Mental Health Tip: Step Into the Light
In the summer of 1992, I moved to Seattle to study nutrition. The city’s incredible outdoor hiking and running trails felt like heaven on Earth. However, by October, the sunny days became a rare treat, and by December, I had learned a new meaning for the term “Sunday.” For those dreary months dominated by clouds and rain, any day with sunshine became a celebration—“Sun-Day”—with people even taking off work to bask in the light they had grown to miss and crave.
As the weeks of gloomy skies wore on, my usually cheery disposition began to dim. I felt low on energy and increasingly negative. What was happening to me? A visit to my school counselor revealed the answer: I was experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition tied to the lack of sunlight during shorter winter days. The counselor recommended artificial light therapy and encouraged me to be gentler with myself as I adjusted to the sunless months.
Being a broke college student, I called my mom for help affording the light therapy. Her response? “Get your butt back home! You’re not going to pay for what you can get for free back in KC!” That conversation marked the beginning of a new chapter, as I returned home to pursue my high school teaching certification.
The Power of Sunlight
The shorter daylight hours of winter can impact your mental health if you let them. Sunlight isn’t just a mood booster—it provides real, tangible benefits for your body and mind. Even small doses can work wonders.
One simple yet effective tip? Step into the light whenever you can. Whether it’s taking a short walk during lunch, pausing to stand in the sun while pumping gas, or sneaking in a mid-day run, those moments of light can make a big difference.
For those working from home, a quick stroll around your neighborhood during sunny breaks can do the trick. And if your schedule allows, weekend activities like a long run or midday walk can help offset the shorter daylight hours. The key is to prioritize stepping into the sunlight, however you can.
Invest in Your Health This Winter
Seasonal Affective Disorder is no joke, but it’s preventable if you take action. Prioritize your mental and physical well-being this winter by embracing natural light and staying active. Here’s a bonus tip: running in daylight can feel up to 13 degrees warmer than in darkness due to the sun’s radiant heat. So, dress accordingly for your winter runs or walks!
This winter, don’t let the season’s shorter days drag you down. Make a habit of stepping into the light—it’s an investment in your overall health and happiness.