12/21/2025
December 21st marks the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the day with the least amount of daylight all year. After this point, the Earth’s tilt causes daylight hours to begin increasing, sometimes by only a few seconds at first, but steadily every day.
This gradual return of sunlight has real, measurable effects on the human brain and body. Sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythm, supports the production of serotonin (a neurotransmitter linked to mood and wellbeing), and influences melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep-wake cycles. Reduced exposure to daylight during winter months is associated with fatigue, low motivation, disrupted sleep, and in some cases, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
The turning point has already passed. From December 21st forward, you are receiving more light each day and your brain and body will respond to that change, even if it’s subtle. Improvement in mental health doesn’t always happen suddenly. Often it follows the same pattern as the returning sun: small, incremental gains that accumulate over time.
Hang in there, each day from this point forward will be brighter!
