darkness
10/28/25 - The water is now 54*
Here in Door County we are losing daylight at about 20 minutes a week. People are noticing, it is a frequent topic of conversation and we are all feeling the shift. With the coming of daylight savings, our sunset shifts on Sunday to 4:35p. Meaning for many, they will not see the sun after 5:00p until February 3, 2026.
I feel the shifts and changes to my circadian rhythm. I am fortunate to live in a space where I can feel the sun on my face in the middle of the day.
I think many who are affected by SAD (seasonal depression) or the “Winter Blues”, apprehensively feel the incoming changes.
We cannot all snowbird south for winter or take a tropical vacation. Instead, I want to acknowledge that a shift is happening- but I encourage you to not let it hit so hard this season. Start NOW! We are currently at 10 hours 20 minutes of daylight. In the next 2 months it will be down to 8 hours and 47 minutes. The key to managing this time of year, is not letting your body become depleted.
Start NOW.
It’s like building any muscle, if you start the habit, by December 21, you may be in sync and feeling less of the impacts than years past.
Simple Ways to Start:
(NOTE: I am not a medical professional, but these are well documented tools)
vitamin D supplement
light therapy (10,000 lux within the first hour of being awake to be effective)
sit by a sunny window
exercise
OR
Go outside!!!
According to Mayo Clinic: Research has shown that exercising for 20 minutes during peak daylight hours (lunchtime) at least three days a week has similar effectiveness to taking an antidepressant. Being active can help with serotonin production and boost your mood.
As the days grow shorter, I encourage you. Please, find the light. In any way you can. Whether reading a book by the fire, practicing yoga by a window, or enjoying a cup of tea. Take 20 minutes for yourself and know that that doing something, is truly the healthiest choice.
This Week’s A Door Within:
Am I impacted by the reduced amount of sunlight?
How can I prioritize being outside?
Where is my favorite place to seek light?
In lightness,
♥Ashley
