Nature Doesn’t Hibernate, and Neither Should We

Your Guide for Combatting the Winter Blues

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, many of us naturally spend more time indoors. During the winter months, this shift can take a real toll on mental health. Some people experience mood changes, low energy, or a feeling of being “off” during this time of year. For others, these symptoms are part of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a feeling of despondency that typically occurs during the fall and winter and can last several months.

Seasonal affective disorder is commonly associated with changes in daylight. Shorter days and reduced sunlight exposure are believed to affect serotonin levels, a brain chemical involved in mood regulation. Symptoms can include oversleeping, overeating, social withdrawal, and a general sense of fatigue or sadness. Even individuals who do not meet the clinical criteria for SAD may still feel the emotional impact of darker days and colder weather.

While winter can feel limiting, there are simple, research-supported ways to support mental well-being during this season:
• Eating nutritious foods and staying physically active;
• Making time to go outside, even in small amounts;
• Letting natural light into indoor spaces by opening blinds or curtains.

Navigating winter intentionally each year can help keep feelings of sadness at bay. When cold temperatures and early sunsets are the norm, it is important to prioritize time outdoors. Simple activities like going for a walk, grabbing coffee with a friend, or calling someone you haven’t spoken to in a while can all help combat SAD.

For children, spending time outdoors in the winter can be fun. Activities such as winter hikes, building snowmen, and making snow angels help kids stay active while embracing the season rather than retreating from it. Finding joy in the unique beauty of winter can help reframe the colder months as an opportunity for exploration rather than isolation.

At Princeton-Blairstown Center, we believe time spent outdoors is more than recreation; it’s a tool for emotional growth and connection. Even during the coldest months, nature offers space to move and reset.

As winter continues, we encourage everyone to step outside, embrace available daylight, and make the most of what this season offers. Challenge yourself to be intentional, commit to spending time outdoors each day, invite a friend to join you, or discover a new activity that connects you or your family with nature. Small actions can have a meaningful impact.