Residents of Steamboat Springs will experience only nine hours and 17 minutes of daylight from sunrise to sunset this Sunday, following the onset of the winter season. However, there is a silver lining: the days will gradually begin to lengthen after the Winter Solstice.
Tom Gangel, regional outreach director at Health Solutions West, highlighted the importance of sunshine for mood stabilization. He emphasized that many individuals can suffer from decreased sunlight, impacting their mental well-being. As the days shorten, some may develop Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months. Symptoms of SAD can include low energy, mood fluctuations, sleep difficulties, and changes in appetite. Treatment options range from light therapy to counseling and medication.
Gangel encourages residents to spend as much time outdoors as possible when the sun is shining. He noted that while some individuals may require more formal treatment, effective alternatives such as sun lamps are available for those who find it hard to get sufficient natural sunlight.
To help combat the winter blues, local yoga instructors have organized community events to celebrate the Winter Solstice. For over a decade, Ally Johnson, Jill Barker, and Jenny Gabriel Shea have hosted a Winter Solstice Community Yoga Celebration at the Steinberg Pavilion, located within the Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School & Camp in Strawberry Park. This year’s session will take place from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is open to participants of all skill levels, with a suggested donation of $20, although no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Barker stated, “This community gathering is a time to reflect on the past year, set intentions for the coming year, and honor the light within ourselves.”
Additionally, Harmony Yoga is set to host a “Gather in the Glow” Winter Solstice Celebration at 3:30 p.m. on the same day in the Bud Werner Memorial Library. According to Nikki Sjoden, owner of Harmony Yoga & Wellness, the event aims to help participants connect with their inner light and engage with the community. This gathering provides a space to slow down and reflect.
Sjoden noted an uptick in attendance at her studio during the shorter days and encourages physical activity to enhance one’s overall well-being. “Just getting that bit of movement later in the day helps everything,” she said, drawing attention to how activity can support mental health during darker months.
Registrations for the Gather in the Glow event can be made via HarmonySteamboatYoga.com, with prices set at $33 for members and $44 for non-members.
Steamboat Springs is embracing community spirit during this darker season, providing ways for residents to connect, reflect, and revel in the gradual return of daylight.