December 7, 2025
Are You SAD? What’s REALLY Out of Order in Seasonal Affective Disorder
I’m going to begin today’s letter with something most people don’t talk about openly:
This time of year can feel difficult — even for people who “seem fine.”
Shorter days, colder mornings, gray skies, holiday stress… It all adds up in ways we don’t immediately see.
I felt it myself years before I ever learned the term Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Back when I was still in construction, I’d wake up in the dark, drive to work in the dark, work under artificial lights all day, eat whatever was convenient, crash on the couch at night, and wonder:
“Why do I feel like I’m losing myself every winter?”
I thought it was just part of life in New England. Or that I was “tired.” Or that it was stress. Or that something was wrong with me.
But years later, after diving deep into integrative health, I discovered something that changed everything:
SAD isn’t a character flaw.
It’s a circadian disruption. A nervous system imbalance. A biological mismatch between your environment and your ancient wiring.
And when we understand that, we can finally do something about it.
Let’s break it down — lovingly, simply, and From The Heart.
🌧️ What We Think SAD Is vs What’s Actually Happening
Most people think SAD is just “winter depression.” But that’s only part of the story.
SAD is your body saying:
“My inputs and my biology are out of sync.”
Your ancestors woke with the sun… moved with the sun… rested with the sunset… They weren’t under fluorescent lights, LED screens, or trapped indoors all day.
Your brain and body are still wired exactly like theirs.
Here’s what gets disrupted in winter:
1️⃣ Low sunlight = low serotonin = low mood
Serotonin is your feel-good neurotransmitter. It also converts into melatonin at night.
Less sun = less serotonin = lower melatonin = mood dips + sleep disruptions.
2️⃣ Artificial light = overstimulated nervous system
Without sunlight to anchor your circadian rhythm, indoor lighting overrides your biology.
Screens after sunset = melatonin crash LEDs = cortisol spike Brain = “Why are we still awake?!”
Result? You feel wired, tired, irritable, unfocused… and more emotional.
3️⃣ Vitamin D drops dramatically
Vitamin D is a hormone, not just a vitamin — and it controls:
- immunity
- neurotransmitter balance
- inflammation
- energy
- sleep
- hormones
By December, most people are clinically deficient without realizing it.
4️⃣ Minerals become depleted (especially magnesium + sodium + potassium)
Cold months = stress months. Stress months = mineral depletion. Mineral depletion = mood instability.
Simple equation… massive impact.
5️⃣ The nervous system slips out of sync
When light cycles change, cortisol changes. When cortisol changes, the entire autonomic nervous system shifts.
This is why:
- mood dips
- cravings increase
- energy crashes
- anxiety rises
- sleep becomes inconsistent
This isn’t “you being sensitive.” It’s your biology doing the best it can with mismatched inputs.
🌤️ So the real question is…
Are you SAD? Or are you simply out of alignment with winter biology?**
Because those two things feel the same — but the solution is entirely different.
💡 The SAD Rebalancing Plan
Here’s what I’ve used personally and with clients (and what works every time):
1. Get morning light — even 5–10 minutes helps
Outside is best. No sunglasses, no windows, no windshield.
This anchors serotonin production for the whole day.
2. Watch the sunset
This signals your brain to begin melatonin—even if it’s 4:45 p.m.
3. Use circadian-friendly light at night
You know this is my passion: https://vivarays.com/jeffreymort (Use code LOVE-ENERGY)
It’s not “woo”— it’s nervous system science.
4. Replenish Vitamin D3 & K2
You can’t fix SAD without correcting this. Vitamin D the first test I run every winter — and it’s only $99, less than a couples dinner out or a new pair of good winter boots.
5. Support minerals daily
Minerals = mood, energy, hormones, sleep. They are the foundation of winter resilience.
6. Balance the nervous system
Breathwork, meditation, tai chi, grounding, subconscious reprogramming… Choose one and practice it daily.
7. Give yourself grace
You are not “less productive” or “less motivated.” You are a biological being responding to a biological season.
Winter isn’t broken. And neither are you.
💛 From My Heart to Yours
This time of year I think back to those dark mornings driving to a job site, wondering why I felt so worn down, and not knowing there were answers — real answers.
If you’re feeling that way now… low, tired, foggy, unmotivated, out of sync…
Please know:
**It’s not a flaw.
It’s not permanent. And it’s not your fault.**
It’s your body asking to be brought back into alignment.
And you can feel good in winter — vibrant, clear, grounded, calm.
If you’re the kind of person who's ready to get real answers (not more guessing, not more frustration):
👉 Schedule a free 20-minute health consultation:https://www.loveenergywellness.com/complimentary-consultation
I’m here. I care. And together, we can make this winter your strongest one yet.
With Gratitude,
Jeffrey
Sending you Love 💟 Energy ⚛️ and Wellness! 🕉
Looking for more support and community as you journey towards better health? Join the private Love~Energy~Wellness Community and Support group where you can feel safe to ask questions, lend advice and encouragement, and build lasting connections.