Metro Vancouver residents experienced a significant winter shift as Tuesday marked the first day the sun set past 5 p.m. this year. According to the latest weather report, the sun bid adieu at precisely 5:01 p.m., a noteworthy milestone after months of early sunsets.
The last time the sun graced the Lower Mainland with its presence past 5 p.m. was in mid-November of the previous year. This extended daylight brings hope for brighter days ahead, particularly for those battling the winter blues.
Dr. Shimi Kang, a renowned psychiatrist based in Vancouver, highlights the impact of seasonal changes on mental health. She notes that a large number of individuals experience a decline in mental well-being during the winter season. Approximately one in three people are affected by diagnosable mental health conditions, with symptoms often worsening during the darker days.
Kang emphasizes that mood disturbances, mental fog, and low energy levels are not just psychological but also chemical reactions to the reduced sunlight. She explains that the sun plays a vital role in boosting serotonin levels, enhancing mood, and increasing brain productivity.
The psychiatrist views the later sunsets as a reason for celebration, emphasizing the influence of seasonal rhythms on our bodies and emotions. Kang encourages individuals to acknowledge their perseverance in navigating through the challenges of January and to embrace their current surroundings.
For those struggling with low energy, Kang suggests practical tips to uplift spirits, such as allowing natural light into living spaces, avoiding blackout curtains, and seeking out even the slightest glimpse of daylight upon waking. She recommends utilizing sunlamps or happy lamps for those rising before sunrise and stresses the importance of spending time outdoors, even on overcast days, and considering vitamin D supplementation.
As the spring equinox approaches on March 20, less than eight weeks away, there is hope on the horizon for brighter, sunnier days ahead.