Holistic Ways to Best the Winter Blues (SADD) Naturally

It doesn’t happen all at once. There’s no clear line where the light dims and your energy goes with it. It just begins—subtly, almost imperceptibly. One day, you’re moving through your week with decent rhythm, and the next, you’re noticing it takes more effort to do the same things. You’re slower to get out of bed. Your appetite shifts. You catch yourself zoning out more often.

You might chalk it up to the weather or a busy season. You tell yourself it’s just the time of year. But there’s a quiet undercurrent moving beneath it all—a kind of low-grade heaviness that lingers. It’s not dramatic. It’s just enough to make you feel like your spark has dulled a little. The joy that usually feels close now seems just out of reach. Your body feels slower. Your mood a bit flatter. You keep going, of course—but it’s harder to feel connected to the moment you’re in.

This is how seasonal shifts affect more than just the weather. It’s not your fault. It’s biology, light exposure, nervous system patterns. And while it might feel like a personal slump, it’s something many people experience—especially those who are sensitive to energy, light, or routine.

The good news is, there are gentle and natural ways to start feeling better. Small, steady rituals. Simple rhythm shifts. Food, movement, light, and connection that support your body’s chemistry and your soul’s need for grounding and warmth.

Let’s talk about how to bring some light and clarity back in—naturally, holistically, and with a little more kindness toward yourself.

Why You Might Feel Off, Foggy, or Low

When your energy and mood feel out of sync, it can be due to multiple subtle shifts in your biology. Reduced sunlight, disrupted sleep rhythms, nutrient deficiencies, nervous system stress—all of these influence serotonin and melatonin production, which shape how deeply you rest, how clearly you think, and how emotionally steady you feel.

You’re not imagining it. Your body is likely asking for support. And no, it doesn’t mean you need to overhaul your life—sometimes it’s just about returning to what’s quietly nourishing.

Gentle Daily Practices That Help You Feel More Like Yourself

Start with light. Even a cloudy morning has enough brightness to help reset your system. Step outside, open your blinds early, or sip tea on the porch to let your body receive the signal: it’s time to wake and feel. It sounds so simple, but it’s astonishing what a few minutes of real light can do.

Movement doesn’t need to be intense. Stretching, walking, or any rhythmic movement helps circulation and tells your nervous system, “You’re safe. You’re present.” Think of it as stirring the pot of your energy so things don’t settle into stagnation.

Foods That Boost Energy and Calm the Mood

Food is the nourishing (or depleting) fuel for all we do. Beyond sweet or savory there is a wisdom in our cravings. Warm, grounding meals that include complex carbs like whole grains, or foods rich in omega-3s like nuts , and calming herbal teas can do wonders for emotional regulation.

Think roasted root vegetables, oatmeal with seeds, bone broth, or turmeric lattes. Food is more than daily sustenance. it is communication. It signals nourishment and stability. It gives your body, the fuel for joy and movement which create more energy. And when you crave comfort foods, It is just that. You’e needing a hug, a feeling of safely, some warmth. Just be mindful of consuming food that gives you sustained energy versus quick boost that eventually will drop lower than boots with the fur.

Try to include some joyful foods too—the ones that aren’t just good for you but feel good to you. The texture, the color, the temperature—it all counts. Eating with presence and pleasure is an underrated mood and energy healing tool.

Nervous System Rest Through Ritual

Creating small daily rituals helps regulate your energy: candles, music, a familiar playlist, dimmed lights before bed. These aren’t luxuries—they’re rhythm restorers. They are how we soften the sharpness of modern life and give our systems a signal to unwind.

Your nervous system loves consistency. You don’t have to be perfect—just intentional. A 10-minute evening wind-down that your body begins to recognize as “safe to relax now” is far more powerful than waiting for the perfect spa weekend.

Connecting With Others When You Feel Disconnected

When your energy is low, connecting might feel like the last thing you want to do. But gentle, low-pressure connection—a voice note from a friend, a short walk with someone who understands you, a warm exchange at the grocery store—can shift your whole nervous system.

Being witnessed, even in small ways, reminds your brain that you belong. That you’re still part of the web. And that you don’t have to carry everything alone.

Even in the most self-aware seasons, our mood and energy will ebb and flow. This is not a personal failing—it’s a reflection of being human, responsive to the rhythm of the natural world. The it’s not a commentary on your competency. They mean you’re alive, and your system may be asking for more support than say, hibernating might take.

If you’re looking for tools, encouragement, or deeper support, see below for free and easy ways to your next step to an elevated you.

When You Need Deeper Support

And if the fog isn’t lifting—if your tiredness feels like it lives in your bones—it may be time for a different kind of support. A space that doesn’t ask you to explain everything, but instead helps you reconnect to what your body and spirit already know.

That’s the heart of what I offer through Holistic Coaching. Unlike traditional therapy, which focuses primarily on the mind, my approach includes the whole self: your body, your energy, your spirit. We work together through conversation, somatic and mindset practices, intuitive nutrition, movement, Reiki, and energy tools that support emotional release and nervous system repair.

It’s not about being fixed. It’s about listening to what you mind, body and spirit are telling you and honoring that.

If you feel called to explore deeper consider a four-pack of 1:1 coaching sessions is available to support your shift back into clarity, rhythm, and vitality. To try it out book a free Laser Mini Clarity session to take a tiny step forward. There are also some other free resources to jumpstart your journey to more joy, clarity and energy at the link below.

Learn More & Book here: www.calendly.com/hello-self-luv

To learn how to use food as powerhouse Fuel for Joy check out my pre-release book: Midlife Mood & Energy Reset — now available for advanced sale at the same link. Sending you waves of love filled with energy and joy.