Today is day 9 of the Blogtober 2025 challenge, and the prompt for today is An Honest Look at Seasonal Affective Feelings.
When the seasons change and the days get shorter. We start to wake up when it is dark and often finish work when it is dark. As this happens I do notice a shift in myself. It is the hitting the snooze button in the morning. The alarm has gone off and it is still dark outside – how can it be time to get up.
We notice our mood can fluctuate, and our energy levels drain. In just a few short weeks we can feel totally different. Recognising this, can help how we feel when there is less sunlight and the days and nights are much colder. Below are a few ways to help you through the changing in season.
Table of Contents
Naming the Feeling
Sometimes just naming how you are feeling helps – “This is seasonal.” It is not laziness, and it is not failure. It is your body and brain responding to less light, less warmth, and a shift in routine. Awareness gives you space to respond with compassion instead of criticism. Not only with others but with yourself.
Gentle Ways to Cope
- Light matters. Open blinds first thing in the morning, spend time near windows, or consider a light therapy lamp.
- Movement helps more than motivation. A short walk or stretch often lifts more than forcing productivity ever will.
- Routine is grounding. Try simple, repeatable rhythms: a morning drink ritual, a lunchtime walk, a 10-minute tidy-up.
- Connection counts. Text a friend, join a class, or call someone you miss. Isolation often deepens these feelings.
- Give yourself permission to rest. You don’t have to “push through” to earn care. Sometimes, cozy is medicine. Or take some time out and read a book
Look For Support
If you notice the heaviness deepening, where you find it hard to get out of bed. Everything just seems to much and you feel you have lost your spark. It is ok to ask for help.
Reach out to a friend or family member – one who you trust and talk to them. Or if this is something you feel you can not do, speak to your Dr. We all struggle at times and it is important to know you are not alone.
Seasonal affective feelings remind me that we are part of nature, too. We have seasons inside us—times of blooming and times of quiet retreat. Honouring that rhythm isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom.
This season, I’m trying to meet myself where I am—with gentleness, warm light, and the reminder that spring always comes back.
my neice bought me a light – didn’t think it would work but it did !
It is not something that I suffer with
I definitely think I suffer with SAD/or seasonal affective feelings. I’m looking into getting one of the lamps that everyone says helps
I have only ever heard good things about the lamps never seen any negative comments
I definitely find it tougher in the dark months, partly because the colder weather is a massive trigger for a couple of medical conditions I have
That is not great, C suffers this as well
for me just a short walk around my garden boosts my health – is try to do daily
I find being outside does help life the mood as well
I love in the Northeast US and it can be tough in the winter months as it is so overcast and cloudy all of the time. I do miss the south where you get a lot more sunshine…. it uplifts you 😉 Such a cool post and thanks for sharing!
I think we are in for a tough winter this year as the weather is cloudy and grey so much more lately
When the days grow darker, so does moods! It’s so important to understand that this is what is going on – thank you for these simple tips.
Sometimes we forget that the chamgimg seasons can affect us
Our winters in Upstate NY are so dreadful and dreary. I go through this every winter! I just hate the cold, miserable weather, and I don’t know anyone who does. It is a tough time of year to power through!
Winters are always dull and gloomy, I find January and February the worst months
This is great advice to help people cope with the shorter day. I find opening curtains to get the light in first thing can make a big difference. Where possible I’ll squeeze in a walk.
I open my curtains first thing, I wake early these days so they are always open early
It is amazing how much the change in season affects me. It does have a lot to do with darker days. I am going to try one of those SAD lamps.
The changing of the seasons affects my mood, this is why Spring is always my favourite season when things start to get lighter
Definitely feeling the chill here, but at least it’s still light when I get up. My daughter suffers terribly from Sad and has a months holiday from work booked for winter, while everyone else is booking there’s to enjoy the sunshine. She just can’t cope. Thankfully work are understanding.
It has got a lot colder lately, I am so sorry your daughter suffers so much with SAD but great that her work can give her the understanding she needs
I have a friend with SAD, and she had to get one of those light therapy devices. She still lets as much light into her home as possible, but the light therapy is a huge help for her.
It has got so much darker lately, the lamps are great for helping with the light
Ooh well done you for doing blogtober! That’s amazing. I’ve definitely felt the shift in seasons. I don’t open my blinds/curtains straight away, but I do go outside and have a little potter around in the back garden. I find that rush of fresh air super helpful in waking me up and getting myself ready for the day!
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
You are brave heading outside first thing in the morning, I am oppostie to you and do open my curtains then I reach for the kettle