Finding Light in the Darkness: Navigating Seasonal Depression
Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can make the darker months feel like an uphill climb. I experienced it firsthand while living in Portland, where the sun seemed to vanish for what felt like an eternity. I had always known sunshine was important to me, but those long gray stretches of sky hit me in a deep, visceral way I hadn’t anticipated.
I missed the sun like an old friend, and when it finally returned, the city came alive. People burst out of their homes, smiling, laughing, and moving like they’d collectively discovered a secret source of energy. It was hilarious and deeply revealing—proof of how profoundly light (or its absence) shapes our mood, energy, and sense of connection.
During those shadowy months, I found ways to adapt and thrive despite the lack of sunlight. Here are the strategies that helped me rediscover balance and joy—and might help you too:
1. Harness the Power of a Happy Light
One of the first game-changers for me was investing in a happy light. These lights simulate natural sunlight, and spending just 20-30 minutes a day by one can do wonders for boosting your mood and regulating your energy levels. I’d use mine every morning while journaling or sipping tea, and it quickly became a comforting ritual. It didn’t replace the sun, but it softened its absence in a way that felt transformative.
2. Find Connection Through Community
Isolation can amplify the weight of seasonal depression, so I made a conscious effort to seek connection. Whether it was yoga classes, ecstatic dance events, or local community gatherings, sharing energy with others became a lifeline. Moving my body in a group setting and being surrounded by laughter and warmth reminded me that joy is still accessible—even when the skies feel endlessly gray.
3. Indulge in the Healing Power of Bodywork
During the darker months, bodywork became a cornerstone of my self-care. Whether it was a deep tissue massage or a more energetic approach, the power of touch and physical release grounded me. It was a way to reconnect with my body, ease tension, and prioritize my well-being. Each session felt like a reminder that I deserved care and attention, even when the world outside felt heavy.
4. Embrace the Season’s Call to Rest
Winter is nature’s season of rest, and I chose to honor that rhythm instead of fighting it. I let myself sleep longer, stay cozy at home, and pause without guilt. Instead of viewing rest as laziness, I reframed it as a necessary part of renewal. Leaning into the slower pace helped me find peace in the quiet moments and made the eventual return of spring feel all the more invigorating.
5. Take Inspiration from Nature
Even during the grayest months, nature still holds a quiet, understated beauty. Bare trees, the soothing sound of rain, the earth resting in preparation for renewal—all of it reminded me that this season, like all others, was temporary. Observing nature’s cycles helped me feel connected to something larger than myself and reminded me that the dark times have their purpose too.
6. Move Your Body to Shift Your Energy
Movement became my saving grace. Whether it was yoga, a brisk walk bundled up in layers, or dancing my heart out in a dimly lit room during a rainy Portland evening, movement kept me energized and helped me process emotions. There’s a unique kind of joy that comes from dancing in the darkness—it’s a reminder that even in tough times, we can create our own light.
Rediscovering Light in the Darkness
Seasonal depression is no small challenge, but there are ways to navigate it and find moments of joy, peace, and balance. For me, it became about finding light in all its forms:
Literally, through my happy light.
Energetically, through movement and community.
Emotionally, by honoring the season’s natural rhythms of rest and reflection.
And when the sun finally did return? It felt like a rebirth. The city glowed, and so did I. The light came back—outside and within—reminding me that every season, even the difficult ones, serves a purpose.
If you’re struggling with the gray days, try leaning into some of these practices. They might just help you find your light, too. 🌞