Living With the Dark: How Shorter Days Affect Your Body
If you've been waking up in the dark feeling heavy, foggy or low, I want you to hear this first: your body isn't failing you. It's responding to the season.
Here on the North Shore, November brings shorter days, grey skies and a lot less light. And your body notices.
Your body runs on light
Light is one of the main signals your body uses to know what time it is. Morning light helps set your internal clock, which shapes when you feel awake, when you feel sleepy, your energy, your mood, and even your cravings.
When the days get shorter, that signal gets weaker. Many people find they feel slower in the morning, crave more comfort food and struggle to settle at night.
Why you might feel wired at night and tired in the morning
With less natural light during the day and bright screens and overhead lights at night, your body can get mixed messages about what time it is. The result can be that frustrating combination: tired all day, then wide awake at 10 pm.
This isn't a willpower problem. It's a rhythm problem, and rhythms can be gently supported.
4 ways to work with the dark
Get outside within an hour of waking. Even on a cloudy day, outdoor light is far brighter than indoor light. Ten minutes on a walk, on your porch or by an open window counts.
Take a midday walk. A short walk in daylight at lunch can lift a heavy afternoon and give your body another light cue.
Dim the lights after dinner. Swap overhead lights for warm lamps. Soft light tells your body evening has arrived.
Keep a steady bedtime. Your body loves rhythm. Going to bed and waking at similar times, even on weekends, may support deeper sleep.
Your light map
I made a simple visual to keep on your phone: seek light early, soften it late.
A gentle invitation
If your energy has been low for a while and you'd like support, I offer a free connection call. We'll talk about what your body might be asking for and what could help. You'll find the link on my website.
Be gentle with yourself this season. Slowing down in the dark isn't falling behind. It's being in rhythm.
With warmth,
Kristina
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