Happy Winter Solstice!
The darkest day of the year is upon us. For some native tribes of the Northwest, it is the beginning of the New Year with the promised return of fish and games. For many of us, it is a collective sigh of relief for soon the daylight hours will increase again. It is definitely the nadir of the year for us living in the northern hemisphere.
If you seem to be affected by the lack of light (or suffer from a mild case of seasonal affective disorder), there are a few things that I have found to help.
First, try to slow down, just a little. In our 24/7, always on world we seem to forget the cyclical nature of the natural world around us. This might be the time to take special care of yourself. Get a massage (wink! 
). Go to the spa. Reconnect with friends over a hot drink. Curl up with a book on a couch. Take your time. Allow yourself to be affected a little by the weather. It is normal. It is natural.
Second, go outside as much as you can. It is cold and maybe a bit bleak out there but breathing fresh air and soaking up rays from the sun (even if you can’t see them) is critical. Friends living in Alaska swear that is it the only way to survive their winter darkness. If you cannot get outside, a distant second would be using light therapy. You can get light bulbs or appliances that replicate the full light spectrum you get when you go outside.
Finally, pay attention to your diet. Food matters when it comes to mood regulation. A lot. Eat as much fresh fish and plants as you can. Seasonal affective disorder seem to be less prevalent in cultures that have a large quantity of fish in their diet (such as Iceland or Japan). Limit refined sugar (really all sugars) intake. You may also want to consult with your primary care physician about taking supplements such as Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, Rhodiola Rosea and others.
Have a great Winter Solstice, however you chose to celebrate it.
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