Daylight Savings can deliver a wallop to your routines, mood, and production. When the night begins to come in much earlier than usual, it can take a while to get used it it.
Here are a few ways to stay positive and productive when the night rolls in earlier.
1. Stick to Your Previous Routine
The best thing you can do is stick to what you did in the past. If you went to the gym at 7 a.m. and got a bagel at your favorite place at 8:30 a.m., don't let the dark stop you from doing just that. If you can stick to your routines, the darkness won't be allowed to affect you as much.
2. Cook More Dinners on Week Nights
One of the hardest parts of winter are the week nights. Leaving and then coming back to work when it's dark can take a toll on your psyche. One of the great ways to combat this is to be active when you get home. Of course, this type of activity can come in many forms, but cooking dinner on week nights can be a way to not let the darkness get to you.
3. Stay Hydrated and Eat Fresh Produce
It's easy to allow your diet to get sidetracked during the winter doldrums. Focus on keeping yourself hydrated and eat more fresh vegetables and fruit during the day. Both of these things can help you improve your energy levels.
4. Upgrade Your Lighting
Coming home to a dark home can be a bummer. Upgrade your lighting during the winter and it can help you feel better. You can do this by simply getting a new lamp for your desk or by putting in an extra lamp in the living room. Make your living or working space feel more "lit".
5. Add a Hobby
Let's be honest, the winter can be a depressing time for many. And while keeping your old routine is advisable, it may also help to add something additional to the mix. Why not use the winter to dive into a few new books or take up a new art class or decide to finally get all the way through the Harry Potter movies. Whatever it may be, if you can add just one new hobby to the mix, it can help you get through those cold, chilly nights.
There are many other ways to beat the winter blues, but these are some of our favorites. You can do it!