Daylight Savings Time Ending in LA: What Does Your Response Say About You?

The ending to daylight savings time in Los Angeles is here. For many the darkness connected to daylight savings time ending feels like a weight and not something to look forward too. But for some, the winter and its extended nighttime feel like something they have been waiting for all year. So why is it that as humans we can have so many different opinions about long sunny days versus longer nights? I believe that on some level it has to do with the continuum of mood, and where you stand on that continuum most of the time.

To put it simply, darkness and light affect our mood greatly. A therapist sees it dramatically when working with people living with bipolar disorder, and less obviously with those that experience depression and anxiety. Those that tend to be more depressive in nature typically dread the darkness. They are uncomfortable feeling sad and thus look forward to the sun and its inherit manic energy. Those that tend to be more anxious in nature typically look forward to the darkness. The amount of energy they have is exhausting, and they bathe in the calmness darkness can bring.Paying attention to your thoughts when the time changes provides insight into your moods. Once you understand more about how the nature rhythm of the seasons affects you, precautions can be taken. Increase your coping skills during the time of year that is most difficult, set up structured activities to keep you energized or relaxed, and try to be extra mindful about staying in the present.