Fall brings both comfort and challenges. While the cooler temperatures and cozy sweaters feel like a gift, the shorter days can drain energy and mood.
Here are a few intentional habits that can make darker days feel lighter and more meaningful.
Why shorter days affect us
As daylight decreases, our bodies react to the change in sunlight.
Therapist Hillary Schoninger explains that fatigue, low focus, and sluggishness can all signal that our bodies are missing the serotonin boost sunlight provides.
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Change your workout schedule
Shifting workouts from evening to midday can be a real game changer.
Getting outside during daylight hours boosts both energy and mood, especially compared to exercising after sunset.
Take afternoon or sunset walks
A daily walk provides movement and sunlight.
Hillary Schoninger emphasizes that both light exposure and physical activity improve mental health, even in small, consistent doses.
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Stick to a steady morning routine
Having a calm morning before work makes a noticeable difference. Sitting with a cup of coffee in the morning sun provides vitamin D and a mood boost that lasts all day.
Work outdoors when you can
If your job allows it, even an hour or two outside can help.
Taking a phone call or doing light work on a balcony or patio is an easy way to get more natural light during the day.
Plan social activities
When it’s dark early, it’s tempting to stay home.
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The author combats this by scheduling activities like a book club, trivia nights, and choir rehearsals, small social rituals that counteract the winter blues.
Be mindful of your social habits
Hillary Schoninger notes that winter often leads to less interaction.
Recognizing this and actively choosing connection helps maintain mental well-being and reduces isolation.
Add variety to your routine
Changing small habits, like altering your workout time or working from a new spot, adds novelty and breaks the feeling of monotony that often accompanies the darker months.
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Make the most of natural light
Even brief moments in the sun can have a positive impact. It’s about finding little pockets of light during your day, especially as daylight becomes scarce.
Avoid passive evenings
Instead of slipping into hours of screen time, the author stays active with small home projects, reading, or light chores that keep the mind engaged.
Embrace the rhythm of the season
While the darkness can feel heavy, accepting that our bodies naturally respond to seasonal changes helps.
Small, mindful adjustments can make the transition much smoother.
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This article is based on information from Real Simple.