Yesterday we were in the office for our regular Monday meeting, talking about life and work. As tends to happen with women of a certain age (insert eyeroll and sigh), we found ourselves talking about feeling low energy despite our Apple Watches and Oura Rings proudly telling us we had slept well.We started chalking it up to “Monday energy,” and blaming the cold and gray weather. Does the weather really impact our mood and energy as much as we think it does?

The short answer is: yes, it absolutely can. Our bodies and brains are more connected to the natural world than we often realize. Sunlight plays a key role in regulating our circadian rhythms, our internal clocks that tell us when to feel awake and when to feel tired. When days are darker and shorter, our bodies may produce more melatonin (the hormone that makes us sleepy) and less serotonin (the chemical that helps regulate mood). The result? Feeling sluggish, foggy, or just a little “off,” even if we technically got enough sleep.

For some, this shift is mild, a case of the winter blues or a string of rainy-day fatigue. For others, it can be more significant and fall under the umbrella of Seasonal Affective Disorder. But even outside of a clinical diagnosis, many people notice that gray skies can mirror gray moods.

There’s also something emotional about it. Cold, dreary weather can limit time outside, reduce movement, and interrupt routines that usually help us feel grounded and energized. We may find ourselves more isolated, less motivated, and craving comfort in ways that don’t always restore us.”

So if you, like us, have  wondered why you feel tired for no reason, you’re not imagining it. The gentle reminder here is not to fight it, but to work with it and give yourself some grace. On these low-energy days, it can help to seek out small moments of light both literally and figuratively. Open the curtains, step outside even briefly, move your body in a way that feels manageable, or connect with someone who brings a sense of warmth. Be kind to yourself and recognize that every day we won’t be bounding with energy and that is okay. We will have days when our best is 80% and days when it is 110%, work with your body and pay attention.