Yup. Can be real heavy. Shorter days, less sun, colder temps… it’s a real physiological shift and can suck ass if you’re retarded.
Seasonal depression is not imaginary. I’ve felt the pits back in the day before moving closer to the equator. But we can also happy-maxx winter by preparing for it & using that primal mindset strategically.
In summer, load your system with as much direct sunlight as you can. Your body literally “stores” the benefits: higher vitamin D, stronger circadian rhythm, better serotonin production. And even in the dead of winter, outdoor light is far superior to indoor light.
For your perspective:
• Bright summer sun: 50,000–100,000+ lux
• Cloudy winter day outdoors: ~1,000–5,000 lux
• Indoor lighting: 50–300 lux (lame)
So even on a cold, grey, miserable winter day, going outside gives you 10–50x more light than staying indoors. That level of light regulates melatonin, happy-maxxes your noggin, boosts serotonin & keeps your circadian rhythm from tanking. Staying inside all winter is exactly what makes people feel like shit.
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WINTER DEPRESSION PREVENTION TEMPLATE ☃️❄️🏔️
A simple protocol that actually works:
1. Outdoor Light Every Morning (20 mins)
Even on cloudy days, you’ll get 1,000+ lux enough to regulate your circadian rhythm & stabilize serotonin + melatonin.
2. Midday Outdoor Time (20 mins)
Double-exposure keeps your brain out of “hibernate” mode.
3. Strength Training 3–5x/week
Lifts testosterone, dopamine, motivation, and combats seasonal lethargy. Do it outside for the most “lift”.
4. Cold Exposure (showers or quick outdoor exposure)
Massive dopamine boost, sharpens mood, reduces inflammation. Don’t overdo this though. Can be rough on NS.
5. Heat Exposure (hot baths or sauna)
Boosts circulation, relieves seasonal tension, improves sleep. MY FAVORITE. Just be sure to ice pack the balls for fertility protection.
6. Red Light Therapy (morning / evening)
Supports mitochondria, mimics sunlight wavelengths, reduces winter fatigue, vibes. Swap all LEDS for warm incandescent in the home.
7. Warm Nourishing Foods
Stews, soups, bone broth, slow-cooked meats (or raw meat like me), root veggies: winter metabolism thrives on grounding foods. Fat-maxx with coconut oil, tallow, raw butter, raw cream, raw milk, ghee, etc.
8. Vitamin / Mineral Support
• Magnesium glycinate / threonate for relaxation + mood
• K2 (MK-7) for calcium regulation & D3 synthesis
• D3 (if needed, 1,000–2,000 IU) but your goal is to rely less on supplements by maximizing outdoor light
• BPC 157 (I cycle this in winter especially because it’s anabolic and helps rebuild tissues during that stressful time. DM me LIMITLESS for the capsule brand I trust)
9. Limit Blue-Light at Night
Phones + bright LEDs kill melatonin and amplify seasonal depression. Stop being a vampire retard.
10. Community & Connection
Winter is easier when you’re not isolated. Humans regulate each other’s nervous systems. Enjoy communal eats, go out of the house for a yoga class or workout, etc.
Winter isn’t trying to destroy you, it’s just checking if you’ve been outside since August. Load up on sun when you can, touch cold things on purpose, eat real warming food, and stop soaking in 69-lux indoor LED lighting. Yin-maxx during these months.
