4 Ways To Deal With Shorter Days During The Winter

I want to thank Charlotte from Goal of Happiness for writing this post on how to deal with shorter days during the winter. Please make sure to check out her blog.

As the days get shorter during the winter, it’s easy to feel unmotivated and low on energy. Here are four tips to help you cope and thrive.

Winter is fast approaching. The lighter days have now become darker and depressing. Shorter days are here to stay for a while. Many of us may experience a change in our mood during this time. Some people may suffer from S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder). This is due to you struggling with mental health during the cold and dark days. 

A few things might help you to deal with shorter days during the winter month.

How To Deal With Shorter Days In The Winter

Sleep Routine 

Now that shorter days are here. The time change has changed. Your sleep routine may be all over the place. However, it is super important that you prioritize your sleep routine. There are many things that you can do, such as: 

• You can get a daylight clock. It has some great benefits for your health and mental health. For example, the watch can stimulate the effects of sunrise and help your body feel ready for the day ahead. 
• Stick to your regular sleep routine. Don’t change your sleep schedule to suit the season. Just because it is dark at 4.30 pm doesn’t mean you can go to bed at 6 pm. It also doesn’t mean that you can get up at 9 am. Go to bed at the same time at night and wake up at the same time in the morning every day. 
• Use your bed for sleep. Try to stop watching TV in bed. Instead, make sure to use a different room for relaxing such as reading or watching TV. 
• Avoid drinking caffeine after about 3 pm. If you need to, you can drink decaffeinated coffee or tea, herbal tea, or even hot chocolate. 

Exercise 

Exercising is just as good for you as your sleep routine when dealing with shorter days. When you exercise, your body will release feel-good hormones called endorphins. This will boost your energy levels and help with the feeling of fatigue. You should try to commit to 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. 

However, you will need to be careful about when you choose to exercise. Make sure that you do any vigorous exercise such as HIIT or running, try to do it a few hours before you go to bed as this could affect your mental health. 

The perfect exercises that you can do at any time would be going for a walk, yoga, or gentle stretches. These will give you the energy you need throughout the day, and you can still do them before bed. 

Try To Go Outside As Much As Possible 

With the shorter days, you may find it hard to get outside. Being kept inside during the day may not be helping your mental health. However, if you can try and go out for at least 15 minutes, it can help to boost your mood. 

Here are some tips: 

• If you work in an office, open the windows and blinds/curtains to allow as much natural light in as possible. 
• Go for a walk during your breaks or lunch break. 
• If possible, try and go outside when you are exercising. For example, why not go for a run or cycling (only if the weather and conditions are not bad)?

Practice Mindfulness 

Now could be the perfect time for you to start practicing being mindful. You may be struggling with your mental health because of the shorter day. There is so much mindful stuff that you could try, such as: 

• Try focusing on the present 
• Celebrate all the positive
• Practice different breathing techniques
• Practice mediation 

Talk To A Professional 

If you are feeling low, then you should see a professional. They may be able to suggest some techniques that you can do. 

Other Tips On Coping With Shorter Day

• Make plans with friends and family. For example, go out for coffee, go shopping, or have a lunch date with the girls. 
• Don’t wear dark, boring clothes. Instead, have a winter wardrobe with some of your favorite clothes. Make sure to have a mixture of colors, textures, and patterns. 
• Try light therapy to help cope with the shorter days.
• Go on a vacation. It can be in your home country or abroad. You can get some fantastic winter sun breaks. This may help to lift your mood and get excited for when the daylight is longer.