Diminishing Daylight
Written by Haley Andrew-Pels, Art Therapy Student
The time of year has come again. The sun rises later in the morning, streaking the sky with brilliant oranges and gold. Leaves on the trees grow crispy around the edges and fall to the streets– to make a pleasant crunching sound when stepped on. We pull our warmer coats from the backs of closets, glimpse the freezing moisture of our breaths in the cool mornings. The sun dips below the horizon earlier, and earlier in the day. The season slows…
Animals prepare for winter: scurrying around, preparing food, padding the beds they will sleep in until spring. We must not think ourselves any different! Soft mammals meant to wind down with the temperatures. We are affected by the seasons as much as every creature, and must remind ourselves of that as we practice more gentle self-talk.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or Seasonal Depression, are clinical diagnostic terms for those whose moods are greatly, negatively impacted by the shorter winter days. It is a common experience to feel more slow and sad as the seasons change, in any degree. We are naturally less “productive” in these times, and many experience an overshadowing feeling of guilt because of this.
Please– be less hard on yourself!
As animals shaped by a capitalistic society, we learn our value is measured by our productivity, by how much we can contribute to the economy. But what if we challenged this? What if, instead, we measured our value by how safe other people feel in our presence; by how authentic we can be; by our ability to be kind and empathetic to ourselves and others.
We are often taught that we are separate from the natural world, but this simply is not true. No matter the layers of metal or brick we live within, or how much time we can spare to sit in the grass, we belong to the forests as much as the wolves and the worms. When we force ourselves to push through the winter months, outputting the same amount as the rest of the year, of course we will feel burnt out. When we have little chance in a day to feel the sun on our skins, of course our mood will dampen.
It often cannot be helped. Obligations of work, school, life, don’t slow down to give us the time we need to take best care of ourselves during this time. So what things can help offset the negative mood that may come with the season?
1. As said already, be gentle with yourself! Sit back and listen to your inner thoughts. If you catch them being cruel, take a moment to consider and challenge them. “I can’t get out of bed, ugh I’m SO lazy and useless… No, that’s mean. I am an animal, and rest is important.” This may be very difficult, but it is one of the most rewarding skills to practice.
2. Lean into loved ones and community. This can be a lonely time of year, especially during the holiday seasons, especially if family may be estranged or far away. Be intentional about making time for friends, family, coworkers. If you are still on your journey to find your people, try to join events or volunteer causes where you may find people that align with your interests and values.
3. Make time for art! Tapping into your creativity wakes up your mind and connects you to your inner self. Consider exploring a new medium you’ve never tried before! Focus less on the outcome and more on exploring the process playfully.
4. Engage your senses. Be mindful about surrounding yourself with smells, flavours, sounds, and visuals that make you feel happy and relaxed.
5. Move your body, feed your body. Complicated relationships with our bodies are normal, but try to focus on the things it does for you every day. Put on some of your favourite music with a good beat and have a private dance party in your room!
6. Soak up as much sun as you can! Sit near windows, try your best to get fresh air regularly. UV lamps can be a great investment if needed. Consider eating more foods rich in Vitamin D, or perhaps supplements (discuss with your doctor).
7. Professional mental health support– no one needs to face any feeling alone, and you may consider therapy in addition to your social support network.
If you are somebody who finds your mood very affected with the changing seasons, know you are not alone! It is very normal to find yourself feeling sluggish and sad as the days grow shorter, and speaking with others that feel the same way can do wonders.
Here at Round Table Healing we are offering a Fall Back & Lean In virtual group where we will create art together and explore feelings related to the changing seasons. What can we learn from nature, and how can we better tune into and take care of ourselves? Learn different forms of creative expression in a safe environment, led by two facilitators and filled with others who understand what you’re going through.
Sessions will run weekly from November 4th to December 9th, 2025 6:30pm EST - 8pm EST.
For more information or to sign up please visit https://www.roundtablehealing.ca/upcoming-events-1
