Seasonal low mood: why you have less energy in autumn and winter, and what to do
Shorter daylight hours affect mood and energy for many people. Here's what helps you cope with a seasonal dip in energy.
As daylight hours shrink, many people notice it gets harder to wake up and there's less energy for everyday tasks. This is a common seasonal phenomenon linked to reduced daylight.
Why it happens
Light is one of the main signals for your internal body clock. With less of it, hormone production affecting mood and alertness changes for many people.
What helps you cope
- More time outdoors in daylight, even on overcast days.
- Light therapy lamps — especially in the morning.
- Regular physical activity — it supports mood and energy.
When it's more than just a low mood
If lowered mood and energy seriously interfere with everyday life for several weeks in a row, it may be seasonal affective disorder — a condition worth discussing with a doctor.
For the role of morning light, see "Morning light", and for recovering from burnout, "Burnout and stress".
Questions and answers
Why is there less energy in autumn and winter?
Shorter daylight affects melatonin and serotonin production, which can lower mood and energy for many people.
How is seasonal low mood different from seasonal affective disorder?
Many people experience a mild seasonal dip in mood, while seasonal affective disorder is a more pronounced condition diagnosed by a doctor.
Do light therapy lamps help with seasonal low mood?
Many people report feeling better with light therapy, especially in the morning — but with pronounced symptoms, it's worth consulting a doctor.