01/19/2026
The “winter blues” are more common than many people realize. As the days are shorter and darker throughout the winter season, it’s natural for energy, motivation, and mood to shift. Many people notice feeling more tired, less focused, or less socially engaged during the fall and winter months, especially when daylight becomes limited.
You might notice lower energy, changes in sleep, difficulty concentrating, increased cravings for comfort foods, or a desire to withdraw and “hibernate” more than usual. Others may feel more restless, irritable, or unsettled. These experiences are often connected to changes in our internal body clock from a lack of sunlight, which affects systems that support mood and sleep.
Spending more time in natural daylight, keeping a consistent daily rhythm, and engaging in gentle movement can help support emotional balance through the winter months. Creating cozy, comforting spaces, staying connected with others, and making time for activities that feel grounding or enjoyable can also help counter the heaviness that winter sometimes brings.
If the winter months feel especially heavy, you don’t have to navigate them alone. Community resources like light therapy lamps are available through local libraries (for those in Niagara Falls, visit https://nflibrary.ca/collections/light-therapy-lamps), and counselling can offer a supportive, grounding space during the colder season.
However you structure your winter wellness, remember that small, consistent efforts add up. The days will lengthen again, and caring for yourself now can make that transition feel a little lighter.
