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# The Light is Already Returning - Hurrah!
- URL: https://gliszen.ghost.io/the-light-is-already-returning-hurrah/
- Published: 2026-01-22T15:17:42.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-24T21:19:46.000Z
- Author: RP Goldenberg | SwiftMindCare
- Tags: Neuroplasticity, Substack-Moved, Affirming, acceptance, Transitions, Therapy, Neuro Science, Self Care, Therapist, Anxiety, Living, Life, Seasonal Depression, Brain Science, Depression, Newsletter, #Migrated-1784927624346, #Import 2026-07-24 21:18

We just made it through the ten darkest weeks of the year. I'm talking about the period surrounding the winter solstice through early January, when daylight hours are at their absolute minimum and our bodies know it, even when our minds try to push through.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2f/0c/2f0c8843-4e19-4a64-82b3-1d14728eb05b/content/images/2026/07/7997c4b1-5cac-4e1a-ae20-cc7c39697fc2_1080x1350-jpeg-1.jpg)

Photo from Little Pine Learners - check them out - [Little Pine Learners](https://littlepinelearners.com/about/?ref=gliszen.ghost.io)

If you've been struggling lately, you're not imagining it. The data from my practice tells a story I see every year around this time: more clients reporting lows, deeper fatigue, harder mornings, that specific kind of heavy that settles in when your nervous system is just done.  
  
This isn't weakness. This is your body responding to a real environmental shift. Less light means less serotonin production. Your circadian rhythm gets disrupted. Your brain literally has less of what it needs to regulate mood and energy. For neurodivergent folks especially, these shifts can hit harder because our nervous systems are already working overtime to process the world.  
  
I've had clients apologize to me for "sliding backward" or "not making progress" during these weeks. But here's what I want you to know: adjusting to environmental conditions isn't regression. It's your system doing exactly what it's designed to do.  
  
The cultural narrative around this time of year doesn't help. We're supposed to be celebrating, connecting, thriving. Meanwhile, many of us are just trying to get through the day without falling apart. That dissonance between expectation and reality? It adds another layer of difficulty.

**What actually helps:**  
  
Getting outside during whatever daylight exists, even for ten minutes. Your body needs that light signal. It's not about exercise or fresh air (though those are nice). It's about telling your brain what time of day it is.  
  
Acknowledging what's happening instead of fighting it. When my clients stop trying to maintain their summer-level productivity and start working with where they're at, things shift. Not because the darkness goes away, but because the fight against it takes up less energy.  
  
Adjusting expectations. This might mean smaller goals, different routines, asking for help earlier. It definitely means letting go of the idea that you should be operating at the same capacity you were in October.  
  
**Here's the good news:**  
  
We're already on the other side. Every day from here gets a little brighter. Your nervous system will register this before you consciously notice. The lows that felt impossible two weeks ago will start to lift, not because you did anything different, but because your biology is responding to the return of light.  
  
If you're still in it right now, that's okay. You don't have to bounce back on anyone else's timeline. But know that your system is already beginning to recalibrate. The darkest days are behind us.  
  
That's not nothing.  
*\*it’s human*  
  
**What's your experience been with this time of year?**  
*I'm curious how seasonal shifts show up for you. Feel free to share in the comments!*

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