If You’ve Felt “Off” Lately… This One’s For You
- Lynsey Hess
- Nov 5
- 2 min read
I love the holiday season, don’t get me wrong. I am absolutely a Christmas person (yes, the music is already playing in my headphones). But… these shorter days? Not exactly the greatest gift.
Last night I was watching Dancing with the Stars with my friends, and one of them mentioned how exhausted she felt. It was only 8:30 pm, and she said, “I don’t even feel like I’ve done anything today… so why am I this tired?” That comment made me stop and think, leading to a bigger question. Why do shifts in daylight disrupt us so noticeably? I wanted to know. So, of course, my wellness-nerd brain went digging, and here’s what I found, which might help explain what you’re feeling, too.
When the amount of sunlight we get each day changes, it literally affects our hormones and, in turn, how we feel. Your body is not just reacting emotionally; it’s reacting chemically. Here are the main hormones that get thrown off when the days get shorter in a way that’s simple and real:
Serotonin → your mood + emotional steadiness
With less sunlight, serotonin levels decrease. Lower serotonin can make you feel groggy, low-energy, or apathetic without an obvious reason.
Dopamine → your motivation + drive
When daylight shifts, our sleep rhythm shifts — and when sleep gets disrupted, dopamine takes a hit. This can make it harder to start tasks or to feel that “let’s get things done” spark.
Oxytocin → your connection + warmth hormone
When your sleep and internal rhythm are off, you may feel more distant or disconnected from others (even the people you love).
Endorphins → your natural stress-relief + feel-good chemicals
When routines change or movement decreases, endorphins drop, and stress can feel heavier.
So, if you’ve felt “off” lately—less motivated, less social, more tired, or more sensitive, you’re not alone. Your body is responding to the lack of light. Your internal clock is trying to reset itself. You’re not overreacting. This is a natural biological response. Learning how to support your body through the seasonal shift can feel overwhelming. This is not about suddenly becoming a “perfect wellness person.” It’s about gentle, doable support:
How to Rebalance:
For Serotonin (mood)
Get sunlight before noon — even 5–10 minutes.
Eat probiotic-rich foods
Try a few slow breaths or journaling in the morning.
For Dopamine (motivation)
Play music that energizes you.
Start and complete one small task.
Protect your sleep (even if that means earlier nights)
For Oxytocin (connection + closeness)
Text or call someone you care about
Physically spend time with people who make you feel good.
Do something kind — small acts matter.
For Endorphins (stress relief)
Take a moment for a warm bath, shower, or sauna.
Move your body gently.
Let yourself laugh — really.
A Little Reminder. Your body is adjusting to a change it didn’t choose. You don’t have to push through; you can support yourself through. When you support your body’s needs, winter becomes a time to recharge instead of a struggle.
Xo,
Lynsey
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