The Season of Darkness: A Holistic Guide to Winter Wellbeing
As we move deeper into winter and the "dark season" of the year, many of us feel the energetic shift that comes with shorter days and longer nights. While modern society often pushes us to maintain the same hectic pace year-round, nature invites us to slow down, turn inward, and embrace the natural rhythm of the season.
In a recent episode of The Shadow Side with Safrianna, I had the pleasure of discussing winter wellness with fellow therapist Camille A. Saunders. We explored how this season impacts us on multiple levels - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual - and how we can better honor our needs during this time. If you want to watch the full episode, you can do so here.
The Physical Impact of Winter
The reduced sunlight during winter affects us profoundly. In the Pacific Northwest, where Camille lives, the sun sets as early as 4:17 PM, leaving precious few daylight hours. This dramatic shift in light exposure can impact our energy levels, sleep patterns, and overall wellbeing due to lack of sunlight and outdoor time.
Some practical ways to support your physical health during winter include:
Getting outside during peak daylight hours, even for brief periods
Considering a SAD lamp for additional light exposure
Taking vitamin D supplements (consult your healthcare provider if necessary)
Honoring your body's need for more rest and calories during this season
Maintaining gentle movement that feels nourishing rather than depleting
Emotional Waves and Winter Blues
Winter often brings up complex emotions, particularly around the holidays. Many people experience grief more intensely during this season, while others grapple with family obligations and stretched boundaries. It's important to remember that you're allowed to set limits on your holiday participation - whether that means shorter visits, choosing which events to attend, or creating entirely new traditions that better serve your overall wellbeing, take care of yourself! It's the most important thing you can do.
If you find yourself struggling with isolation or depression during winter, know that you're not alone. Consider reaching out to a therapist or trusted friend, and remember that it's okay to need extra support during this time. There are many tools you can use on your own to process feelings such as journaling or meditating to connect inward (guided or self-led).
Mental Clarity in the Darkness
While our society often pushes for goal-setting and "new year, new me" energy starting January 1st, remember that these are artificial timeframes made by modern society. It's okay to daydream and set future goals, rather than striving for a perfectionistic daily goal starting on 1/1.
Winter naturally calls us to reflection rather than action. Consider waiting until later in the season to set firm intentions or make plans for the "year ahead." Daydream instead. Cozy up. Reflect. Envision what you want to blossom in spring, but know you don't have to take action right. This allows you to emerge from winter's cocoon with greater clarity about what you truly want to create.
The Spiritual Invitation of Winter
The darkness of winter provides a natural invitation to deepen our spiritual practice, whatever that means for you. Many people find themselves drawn to more contemplative practices during this time - meditation, journaling, pulling tarot cards, or simply sitting with a cup of tea and watching the flames of a candle dance.
The veil between worlds feels thinner during these dark months, making it an excellent time for inner work and connecting with your intuition, guides, ancestors, and the land around you as it rests.
Whatever your belief system, there are beautiful metaphors about seeing the light in the darkenss that we can take inspiration from during this time. Be curious!
Honoring Your Needs
As you move through this winter season, consider:
What activities truly nourish you during this time?
Where might you need to set or strengthen boundaries?
How can you create space for rest and reflection?
What traditions feel aligned with your values, and which ones might you need to release?
It has come as a shock for many of my clients over the years, but in truth, you're not obligated to participate in holidays. You're not required to maintain high summer like energy year round. That's fabricated by hustle culture. Just as the trees shed their leaves and animals slow their pace and even hibernate, we are meant to shift with the seasons. Give yourself permission to hibernate when needed, to say no to things that deplete you, and to find your own authentic way of moving through this darkest season of the year.
Most importantly, be gentle with yourself. Winter calls us to tend to our inner light with extra care, nurturing the spark that will help us bloom again when spring returns.
Want to dive deeper into this topic? Watch my full conversation with Camille Saunders on the Living LUNA Youtube channel, where we explore these themes in greater detail and share more practical tips for winter wellbeing.
Take care of yourselves! Remember that caring for your needs is essential. When we honor our own rhythms and boundaries, we have more authentic energy to share with those we love.
Happy Reflecting,
Safrianna Lughna
The Queer-Spirit Guide
Living LUNA is founded on the values of Joy, Curiosity, and Compassion. We promote holistic well-being, self-love, and empowerment.
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