The days are getting shorter - self care for fall and winter

It’s that time of year here in the north, when the amount of daylight grows short and we turn the clocks back. I have already heard from people that the lack of daylight is bothering them, despite the mild weather and leaves still on the trees. What to do?

Not sure if the low feelings from lack of daylight is the winter blues or SAD (seasonal affective disorder)? UC Davis explains SAD, how it’s not just the winter blues, and how to proactively address common symptoms.

One helpful action, whether or not you have SAD, is going outside. Experiencing stronger light on darker days can be very beneficial for our mood. Even on a cloudy day, outdoor light is usually brighter than indoors. Light therapy lamps are an indoor alternative. They come in a variety of styles and prices.

One of my favorite bad-weather activities is to visit an indoor garden. The Como Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul is wonderful. Garden centers often have lovely indoor plant displays.

Going outside for a walk, embracing winter by learning to skate or ski, taking up a new hobby, or making your home extra cozy could all help. And, the general things we should do routinely – eat right, get enough sleep, socialize, and exercise – also apply to keeping the winter doldrums in check.

If you are concerned about your mental health, please consult your doctor for treatment options.

More: How to cope with long winter nights when the clocks go back (BBC article)