Why Don’t Humans Hibernate? Asking for My Soul
Weathering the Winter Blues: Reflections on Seasonal Depression
Yesterday, I posted a lighthearted question on social media: Why don’t humans hibernate during the winter? It was meant as a joke, a little throwaway thought to brighten someone’s scrolling. But today, as I sit here surrounded by dense fog and freezing air that bites at my spirit, I’m not so sure it was a joke after all.
The dreariness outside sits heavy on my chest, like a weighted blanket—but not the good kind that soothes and comforts. No, this weight presses down in a way that feels inescapable. And honestly, I don’t think a cup of tea and a warm sweater will cut it today.
A Caribbean Girl in a Cold World
As someone born and raised in the Caribbean, I’ve spent years trying to acclimate to life in colder climates. I’ve learned to layer up, mastered the art of defrosting a windshield, and even found joy in the occasional snowfall. But no amount of years, coats, or cozy fireplaces can fully erase the fact that this environment isn’t mine. I come from a place where the sun is as reliable as the tide, and warmth is more than a season—it’s a way of life. The sun energizes my soul.
Days like today remind me that there’s a limit to how much you can adapt to an environment that doesn’t feel like home. The cold and the gray don’t just touch my skin; they seep into my mood, my energy, and my spirit.
I now totally understand why the elderly migrate to Florida, even with the alligators, pythons, and the politics that come with it. At times like this, when the cold seeps into my bones and my joints feel like they’re staging a protest, the lure of perpetual warmth and a sunny disposition makes perfect sense.
The Seasonal Struggle Is Real
We cannot forget the mental health angle. I’ve spent enough time reflecting on my emotional well-being to know that seasonal depression is a very real thing. Those of us who are already prone to feeling low don’t need much help from the weather to tip the scales. When the sun seems to have called in sick, and the world looks stuck in black-and-white, it’s very easy to feel like you’re mentally stuck in a fog.
Seasonal depression doesn’t just make you sad—it makes you tired. Tired of the gray, tired of the cold, and physically and mentally exhausted. For those of us over 50, it can feel even more challenging. The combination of aging bodies, hormonal changes, and the effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can amplify that sense of fatigue and heaviness.
The good news is that there are ways to combat the seasonal slump, even when the weather isn’t on your side. Getting as much natural light as possible helps—whether it’s a short walk outside or sitting near a sunny window. I know none of us want to go out in the cold, but it does help. Movement, like yoga or stretching, can also boost your mood and keep our over 50 joints from stiffening in the cold. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of vitamin D. As someone who migrated from a sunnier climate, I’ve noticed my vitamin D levels often run low during checkups, which is why I’ve made vitamin D supplements a staple in my routine.
A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way
So, no, humans don’t hibernate. And even though something is appealing about the idea of retreating, of letting ourselves rest and recharge when the world feels too heavy, we also can’t underestimate the power of human connection. Although I’d like to think that I don’t need anyone, the reality is that human contact is essential for our mental health and well-being. Reaching out to a friend, joining a class, or even calling a loved one can remind you that you’re not alone. Sometimes, just hearing another voice can be the warmth you need to get through a gray day.
Moving forward, on days like this, allow yourself to slow down, skip the nonessentials, or sit with your feelings without needing to fix them. Remember that the world will keep turning, and reaching out to someone who cares can make all the difference. While we may not hibernate, we can still rest—and sometimes, rest is exactly what the soul needs.