January is one of the hardest months for many people in the Northern hemisphere. Once the festivities are over, family and friends go back to their homes and routines, their paths separating from ours after a brief reunion. The Christmas lights and decorations are taken down, making the darkness of winter more evident. With no celebrations to attend, we are left to face the uncertainty of a new year that brings promises and challenges alike. We sit down to look at our goals and feel the weight of expectations and regrets. It’s a lot to handle.
There are ways to make it easier. For example, your mood and clarity of mind will benefit greatly from getting some sunlight and fresh air every day. Winter days are very short and usually gloomy, yet this doesn’t mean the sun that reaches us is inconsequential. If the winter sunlight is enough to activate photochromic lenses, which darken to become sunglasses when exposed to bright light, then it’s enough to have an effect on your body. It’s cold, yes, and if you’re like me and work a lot from home, you know how easy is to make excuses not to go outside. But try it, find an excuse every day to at least step out into your garden. It makes a big difference.
Remember that the winter solstice already passed. It might not look like it, but days are getting longer. Soon enough, we’ll see the first buds popping from branches here and there, announcing the arrival of spring. Until then, take care and be kind to yourself and others, and focus in whatever it is that you love.
