The Yukon is a land of extremes. From the midnight sun to almost complete darkness, it can be a battle to be constantly adjusting throughout the year. (I write about dealing with the Yukon sun here). In Yukon during the winter, temperatures can dip as low as -50c, and rise to +30c in the summer. Big differences!
It can be difficult to adjust during the fall in particular. Getting used to the encroaching darkness and coldness, the snow and ice. Spring feels like it will be a long way off. But there are ways to make the transition more comfortable. There are ways to deal with the long nights of winter in the Yukon and enter the spring feeling triumphant.
Here are 10 tips on how to deal with the long nights of the Yukon winter:
1. Therapy lamps
Firstly, buy a light therapy lamp. They stimulate the release of the hormone serotonin in the brain, which causes you to feel good. Using the lamp can adjust your sleep-wake cycle to a more normal rhythm. It’s as if there are more daylight hours, and replicates natural daylight.
It’s recommended to use it for at least 20 minutes in the morning. So it can be used whilst drinking your coffee in the morning, for example. Read more here.
2. Take vitamin d tablets
Take Vitamin D tablets. I would suggest starting in September to hit the ground running. Most of the Vitamin D we make is from sun exposure to the skin. Because of the shorter days, there’s not a lot of sun exposure for your body to make enough Vitamin D.
During the short days, our skin is usually covered up because it’s so cold! It’s an important vitamin for your gut, bones, and lung health. So it’s important to keep it topped up to keep you healthy. I implement taking Vitamin D tablets in my morning routine, and I take 2,000UI a day. Some people take more, it depends on every individual. Just be careful not to take too much. Read more about it here.
3. Get outside during daylight hours
At least 20-30 mins. Go for a walk, if it’s not too cold! Just make sure to wear the right clothing. In the Yukon the air is dry so if you’re wearing the correct clothing, the cold won’t penetrate. What’s that quote? There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.
I know I would prefer to be outside at -30c in the Yukon than 5c in England! Take the opportunity to get out and explore the area. I’ve noticed that every day can look so different in the Yukon. Especially as the season changes. There’s a lot to miss out on if you stay inside!
4. Set alarms to wake up in the morning
When the alarm goes off, turn on the lights and get up straight away. Exercise for 1 minute to wake up your body. Drink a glass of water. Don’t be tempted to roll back over and go to sleep! If you act motivated, then the motivation will come. It’s also lovely to be able to see the stars when waking up. It saves you from having to stay awake late into the night to see them.
5. Keep your normal routine
Following on from that, keep your routine as normal as possible. Don’t be fooled by the dark mornings. Have a morning routine and an evening routine. This helps you wake up and get your mind ready for bed too. Turn off your electronics one hour before bedtime. It’s just as important to the wind of an evening too.
6. Exercise
This wakes your body up, keeps you motivated during the day, and helps you to sleep better at night. This makes you more rested so you are less likely to want to sleep in. Participate in winter sports to get outside too. There’s a lot to do in Yukon during the winter! From snowshoeing to cross-country skiing, it’s an adventurous place. Even just shovelling snow is a workout.
7. Keep social
Keeping social is a good way to maintain good mental health. Make sure to organise meet-ups with friends; attend any community club activities; keep in contact with people even if it’s through calls and video chats.
8. Accept the darkness
Make the most of it by making your home comfortable and ready for winter; with candles, throws, and decorations. You can’t escape it so may as well embrace it. Also, take this time to learn about the night sky; you’ll be seeing a lot of it, after all. Learning stargazing, the moon cycles, and the dates of meteor showers.
A lot happens in the night sky, and now there is a lot of time to explore it. All without losing any sleep. And know that this darkness is not going to last forever. Soon enough it will be spring! After December 21st, remind yourself that the nights are now going to get shorter and shorter again.
9. Plan for next year
Further, plan for the spring and summer of next year. Is there a trip you want to take? Take the opportunity to research, read, and plan. Read my articles on how to create a bucket list, and things do to when you can’t travel. If you’re having a winter slump then think about future holidays to take to brighten your mood. Maybe there will be a lot more sun in this one!
10. Hydrate
So your skin doesn’t dry out. Look after your body even better than that. Moisturise, use lip balm. Treat yourself. The air is dry in the Yukon so you can dehydrate quite quickly. Especially if you’re outside in the Yukon in winter.
The Federal Institute of Medicine suggests that women drink 2.7 litres a day and men 3.7 litres a day. It can be difficult to remember to drink water when it’s cold. It’s still easy to get dehydrated though! Read more here.
Ultimately, it’s all about what works for you! Find something to keep you feeling good during winter in the Yukon.
Keep entertained, and social, and do your hobbies. It’s a fascinating and primal place, and the Yukon holds a special place in my heart. Never before have I been excited about snow. It usually meant doom in London, but I’m eagerly awaiting it every autumn in the Yukon. Make it your own, and make it count.
