It’s nearly the winter solstice. It’s not quite 5 PM and I’m looking past my
Christmas tree into the street. It’s
nearly dark and my neighbours are gradually turning on their holiday
lights. I love this dark time of
year. It seems to demand a cozy sweater
and woolen socks, something warming to drink, and seasonal music.
Apparently though, the shortened days and
lack of sunlight at this time of year can lead to SAD (seasonal affective
disorder.) We need sunlight to make
melatonin, which we need for all kinds of functions. Apparently, when deprived of sunlight, our
brains deplete their stores of serotonin (our natural mood enhancer) by
requiring the pineal gland to convert it into melatonin, causing SAD. But research shows that Denmark, with only 7
hours of daylight at this time of year, is rated one of the happiest countries
in the world. Maybe they go outside
during the day? Let’s get outside and
walk and make melatonin!
(I have no medical background and this blog
may be nonsense. In the spirit of the season, let’s just believe that being
outside will make us happier.)
Happy
Holidays!
