Hibernation has always been my preference through the winter months. Although I do on occasion crawl out of my cave, I do so with the full knowledge that I will soon be returning to my warm bed. It’s not so much that I seek this sleepy solitude, but that it seeks me. The lack of sunlight in winter often drains my energy, leaving me feeling despondent, disinterested, and somewhat depressed.
I now understand why I, along with many others, suffer from these symptoms. Research has revealed that the shorter, darker days of winter prolong the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that enables us to sleep. This hormone only converts back into the happy hormone, serotonin, when sunlight is present, which makes us feel awake and alert.
So how do we cope if heading south for some restorative rays is not in the cards? This year, I found my days brightened by a couple of friends who chose to fight against the darkness by using a little creativity and humour.
“I am solar-powered,” says fellow summer enthusiast Elaine Krahn. “We just have to stay positive, which is why I post hopeful thoughts [on Facebook] during the darkest days, literally!”
This year, Elaine posted her paintings of Frosty the Snowman’s slow demise as the sun’s strength increased. When at one point a bout of frigid weather threatened to prolong the deep freeze (and Frosty), Elaine “built” a bonfire near him to hasten the melting process. Along with her reports on the increasing daylight hours, this helped to lighten my mood considerably.
As did the sunnier forecasts and amusing posts of Landmark resident Brent Nellis. Brent refused to go to the dark side and instead shared his humorous obsession with shorts.
“I wear shorts from April 1 until after Halloween, sometimes even through to mid-November,” he says. “[Wearing] shorts by April 1, ugly shorts for that matter, are my way of saying I’ve sacrificed enough by wearing heavy jackets, boots, gloves, and hats! The shorts make me happy and help me stay positive.”
With only two seasons in Brent’s life—winter and golf—he can’t wait to don his quirky new Santa shorts and hit the links.
The creativity and humour of others annually sheds light on an often dark and dreary season, reminding me that sunny days are ahead. So I’m going to join my friends in staying positive: the sun may not be out today, but you can bet your bottom dollar it will come out again soon. Maybe even tomorrow!
