Good news!  We made it through the shortest day of the year, yesterday, December 21st.  This day marks the midpoint of the year, which occurred at 5:47 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time (12:47 Eastern Standard Time).   The Winter Solstice has the least amount of sunlight and the longest night during the year.  In all actuality, the  sun’s rise will continue to occur later through the month of January, while sunsets will occur later in the evening.  This all seems to balance out as the amount of day light each day begins to lengthen.

This demarcation of the middle of winter was very important for our ancestors who had to meter out their food to survive the long winters.  Feasts and celebrations were held during this time as a way of marking the event.  Religious holidays occur at this time of year.  This time of year is also symbolic as the start of a new year and the hopes for good things to come.

Midwinter also affects us individually.  The shorter days mean that our bodies produce more melatonin, which offsets our circadian rhythms.  We want to sleep longer during these winter months.  Exposure to sunlight is one of the best and most effective ways to help balance our circadian rhythms.  Taking a walk during the day may be one of the best way to help balance our bodies natural cycles.  So, make a resolution to walk more.  Find a friend

Visiting Greenwich, England

to walk with.  The companionship and socialization will help spur you on.  Walking is the easiest and least costly form of exercise that we can do, at any age.  Dr. Weil has information on what to consider when setting out for a walk.   Visit the “Ask Dr. Weil” Tip of the Day at the website:

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP03545/Healthy-Habits-Walking.html

Enjoy!