Dear Reverend,
I’m a native Vermonter, so I’m accustomed to the winters here, but for some reason this one is really kicking my ass. By six o’clock at night, I feel like the day is over, and I don’t want to do anything other than watch TV and go to bed. Could it be that I’m just turning into an old fart?
Mel N. Kallie (nonbinary, 37)
Dear Mel N. Kallie,
There are a lot of reasons this winter may feel darker than others, but I’m not going to get into politics. I can’t comment on your old-fart status, but you’re not alone. Many people, regardless of their age, feel like January drags on for three months rather than 31 days.
December, with its holidays, festivities and days off, is a hard act to follow. January tends to be a month full of a whole lotta nothing to do. The sun rises late and sets early, and it’s usually the coldest month in Vermont. It’s a perfect recipe for ennui.
I suggest that you take a cue from nature. In winter, many creatures hibernate, and plants go dormant. Humans need a reset, too. It’s OK to go to bed early. Rest is extremely important, especially at this time of year when a lot of bugs are going around. Feeling tuckered out might just be your body taking care of itself.
Lean into coziness and comfort, and don’t beat yourself up for not being busy. If you really feel the need to be productive, now is a great time for indoor projects. Clean out a closet, rearrange a room or paint a wall. A little bit here and there can help you feel like you’ve accomplished something.
It’s also good to remember to make hay while the sun shines. Try to get outside for at least a little bit every day while the sun is up. Even though it may be brisk, the fresh air is invigorating, and you can still get some vitamin D through the clouds.
If you believe that your fatigue is more than a case of the winter doldrums, make an appointment with your doctor to check things out. Otherwise, just be thankful you don’t live somewhere like Svalbard, Norway, where the polar night makes it dark for almost three months straight. Spring fever is right around the corner here.
Good luck and God bless,
The Reverend
This article appears in Jan 22-28, 2025.
