In somewhat depressing news, the days are still getting shorter and darker as we work our way through our advent calendars. If you’re wondering when things will start to brighten back up, when winter truly begins, and what you can do to ward off the cold weather blues, you’re in the right place.
Winter truly begins with the Winter Solstice. That’s the day when one of the Earth’s poles is at its furthest distance from the sun, with the northern and southern hemispheres getting their own winter and summer solstices.
For us in the northern hemisphere, the 2024 Winter Solstice – the first official day of winter – is December 21. From then, the days will start to get longer as we barrel off towards the Summer Solstice in July 2025 – but first, winter will come to an end on March 20, 2025.
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If you’re a seasonal affective disorder (SAD) sufferer, we’re sorry to say you’ve got another week of increasingly dark days before things start to turn for the better. As SAD is triggered by limited exposure to sunlight through the darker months, you can counter its effects with a specialised lamp that simulates sunlight’s wavelengths.
Shoppers could try this £39.99 (reduced from 49.99) SAD lamp at Debenhams, featuring a spherical form factor and white noise functions that can provide a calming effect. Another option is this Wellness Therapy Lamp at Dunelm for £38.
Another great option is the Caromolly SAD Lamp, currently £36.54 down from £42.99 at Amazon (price correct at the time of writing). Available with either a black base or a wood effect one, these linen-shaded lamps will fit in with a broad range of décor.
By emitting 10,000 lux of simulated natural light, all you need to do is be in the same room as it and the light, through your eyes, will have the same effect on your brain chemistry as real sunlight. In short, you should feel more awake, alert, and positive than you would without it. It comes with a timer, a remote control, three different brightness settings, and 360-degree light casting, giving you plenty of control.
With 4.6 out of 5 stars averaged from almost 350 customer reviews, it’s proven a hit with SAD sufferers at Amazon. “It’s really made my mornings a lot easier,” said one five-star review. “I didn’t realise that good light can actually make that much of an impact, but I can’t imagine not using it now during the winter months, and see myself using it during the summer months in the evenings as well if working late.”
“This lamp is so much more than I expected it to be,” said another reviewer. “It comes with a remote control and has many different settings both bright and dim with a timer if needed. Perfect for anyone who suffers with low moods in the winter months as it mimics sunlight.” Another added: “It’s well built, great brightness and very useful. Highly recommend it.”
A few customers have noted an electrical buzz coming from their lamps, however. “It emitted a very high pitched ringing that was unbearable for me,” said one review. “Not everyone can hear such ringing, but I can guarantee it’s not in my head.” Another said similar: “Nice light but it does make a buzzing sound that is a bit irritating.”