Brighter days are coming! Spring is less than a month away, and we are ready for it. With the longer hours of dark in Winter, a lot of us feel lower in mood, more tired and demotivated. Science can explain it: daylight is recommended to keep our physiology functioning, to maintain a healthy sleep cycle, and to balance our brain function. In this blog post, we go a little deeper into how daylight - or lack thereof - affects us physically, mentally and spiritually.
“Light illuminates darkness and gloom, bringing hope and inspiration.”
This was the first line I read on my “Angels of Light” card deck by Diana Cooper. I first heard of Diana Cooper through a family member when I was newly embarking on my spiritual journey. Though I have always been spiritually inclined, this particular phase of my journey was guided by divine inspiration. My spirit guides led me toward meditation, healing, and sharing my experiences with those who wished to follow along.
The Importance of Light
Light is life. It uplifts, energises, and provides clarity. It is synonymous with peace, hope, and finding one's way after navigating through a period of darkness. The metaphor of light and darkness is often used to describe emotional states—happiness and sadness, clarity and confusion, hope and despair.
When a person is described as being in a dark place, they are often imagined as sitting in a dimly lit room or beneath a heavy, dark cloud. In such moments, the simple glow of a candle can provide comfort, easing the tension of the unknown and serving as a guiding light forward.
Light is not just a metaphor for well-being; it has tangible effects on our mind, body, and spirit. Prolonged exposure to darkness can negatively impact our mental and physical health.
Physically speaking, daylight is recommended in order to keep our physiology functioning, to maintain a healthy sleep cycle, and to balance our brain function. Did you know that people who live in the dark for too long are more likely to lie, to cheat, to make mistakes and to hallucinate?
The Physiological Impact of Light
Daylight plays a crucial role in maintaining our body's natural rhythms. It regulates our circadian clock, supports brain function, and promotes a healthy sleep cycle. Lack of exposure to sunlight has been linked to reduced levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters essential for maintaining emotional stability, motivation, and overall well-being.
Excessive darkness can lead to fatigue, depression, and imbalances in the sleep-wake cycle. Studies suggest that people deprived of light for extended periods may experience heightened stress, impaired cognitive function, and even hallucinations. Furthermore, inadequate sunlight exposure can lead to vitamin D deficiency, which affects bone health and immune function.
While darkness can be beneficial in short doses—for instance, during meditation or moments of deep introspection—an overabundance of it can have significant negative effects.
The Spiritual Perspective
Spiritually, Source is light. Angels are light. Darkness is everything that keeps us away from the light. Away from the angels, and away from all the energy and vibrations linked to them. Evil spirits love the dark. Keeping your room constantly in the dark creates the perfect environment for lost souls to inhabit, and feed off of your energy.
Linking this back to our physiology, excess of darkness directly impacts our levels of serotonin and dopamine, which in turn impact our wellbeing. It is known to cause poor concentration, weight gain, negative thoughts, oversleeping, induces isolation and may cause hallucinations.
Incorporating more light into our surroundings is a simple yet powerful way to increase our energy levels and protect our well-being.
Scientific Insights on Light and Mental Health
Dr. Norman Rosenthal, a leading researcher on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), has extensively studied the effects of light exposure on mental health. In his book Winter Blues, he discusses how prolonged darkness can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to mood disorders, fatigue, and cognitive decline.
Research has shown that people living in regions with prolonged winter darkness, such as the Arctic and Scandinavia, often experience circadian rhythm disturbances. This imbalance has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, decreased workplace productivity, and higher rates of medical errors—which are reported to be twice as frequent in winter compared to autumn.
Embracing the Light
Returning to the wisdom of the “Angels of Light” deck: “Angel wisdom suggests you ask the angels to ignite and strengthen the Divine flame within you.”
A simple yet effective practice to align yourself with light is to engage in meditation, inviting your spirit guides to fill you with love, peace, and illumination. On a practical level, making an effort to embrace daylight each day can have profound effects on your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. Open your curtains, step outside, and allow natural light to support and uplift you.
Light is life—embrace it.
Disclaimer: I am not a physician and do not speak in a medical capacity. Please consult your doctor if you feel affected by sleep disorders, hallucinations or other symptoms.