Recognising The Winter Blues
The Winter dreariness can be hard to battle. With a chill in your bones, an ache in your throat and an interminable December to-do list, it is difficult to find any semblance of energy left as your body fights on all fronts. The afternoons quickly feel like late evenings as the light fades rapidly, leaving you feeling heavy and tired. These changes are common, and they reflect how closely our mental health is tied to our surroundings.
Natural light has a significant influence on the daily goings-on of our lives, as does its seasonal reduction. It feels as though you’re barely out of bed and the sun is already hanging threateningly low in the sky. Commutes become defined by darkness rather than the early sunrises and late sunsets our bodies align their circadian rhythms to. With the arrival of early evenings and the abbreviation of long lit afternoons, our bodies take that as a natural indication to produce more melatonin and reduce serotonin, resulting in that all too familiar winter cocktail of low energy, groggy mornings, and a sluggishness that follows you through the day.
The weather is no ally either. Dublin’s winter isn’t the harshest, but it is consistently chilly, windy, and wet. Armoured in layers of woollen hats and scarves, buses are too hot, and the streets are still too cold. Your body’s desired temperature is rarely satiated, either shivering or sweating, with no happy medium in between. It makes any kind of activity that necessitates leaving the house totally unappetising, slowly shifting everyone towards more hibernative habits. Less time outside means less natural light, less movement, and fewer casual social interactions, contributing to that familiar sensation of disconnect that can so often be felt in the colder months.
Seasonal changes impact our mood and naturally shift our routines. And despite its reliable assurance and consistent timing, the Irish winter crashes on us like a heavy wave all the same. Many people find themselves sleeping a bit more, opting for the warmer, richer foods, and leaning into quieter evenings at home. Exercise may move indoors, and social plans often become more deliberate rather than spontaneous. These adjustments can bring a sense of comfort and calm. However, they can also make it easier to slip into patterns that lower motivation, particularly during the busy holiday period or the slower months that follow.
Despite its heaviness, winter doesn’t have to be something we simply endure. Recognising how deeply the season affects our energy, mood, and routines allows us to respond with a conscious effort and encourage patience for each other. Small choices, seeking daylight when possible, staying connected, and embracing rest without guilt, can help ease the strain of darker months. While motivation may dwindle and habits shift, these changes are natural and shared by many. Winter will always arrive with its challenges, but by understanding its impact and caring for ourselves accordingly, we can move through the season with a greater sense of quiet steadiness.
Writer: Maeve Ruane Ronayne @maeveruaneronayne
Editor: Shaunamay Martin Bohan @f4wnfatale
