December Darkness- Your Body’s Natural Invitation to Slow Down

December arrives with its dark mornings, early sunsets, and a natural slowing of the world… yet we often fight against it. We keep the same pace, push the same workload, socialise more, drink more, stay up later- all while ignoring what our biology is quietly asking for.

But darkness isn’t a problem.

Darkness is a season.

Humans were designed to live in rhythm with winter:

• earlier evenings

• slower mornings

• warmth, rest, connection

• nourishment and gentle movement

  
  

This is the time of year when our bodies naturally shift into “hunker down” mode.

Melatonin rises earlier, energy dips earlier, and our nervous system craves more downtime.

Fighting that rhythm leads to:

• irritability

• fatigue

• difficulty falling asleep

• emotional overwhelm

• lowered immunity

When we honour winter instead of resisting it, sleep actually improves.

Allow December to be what it’s meant to be: slower, softer, and more restorative.

Practical seasonal support:

• Dim lights 90 minutes before bed

• Embrace earlier evenings without guilt

• Spend time outdoors daily, even briefly

• Add warmth: blankets, baths, slow dinners

• Allow your routine to soften

Winter isn’t the season for peak productivity.

It’s the season for deep rest — let your body have it.