5 Easy Ways to Combat the Winter Blues

Daylight saving time is a period that starts in the spring where clocks are set ahead one hour. This unusual practice delays the sunrise and sunset so we have seemingly more daylight to enjoy. It’s helpful for kids on summer vacation break and families who want to take advantage of every minute summer has to offer.

But what happens when we reach the tail end of daylight saving time on the first Sunday in November? On the bright side (no pun intended), we gain an extra hour of sleep as our clocks fall back one hour at 2:00 a.m. However, normal daylight hours are restored and it starts to get dark outside fast.

Some prefer the shortened days that come in the winter, but for the rest of us, it takes some time getting used to. The prolonged nights can even cause some to develop seasonal affective disorder—a type of depression common in the winter months that causes moodiness and low energy. It can be caused by a disruption in your biological clock, such as a lack of sunlight. Women are four times more likely to experience S.A.D. than men, and those with a family history of depression are also more likely to suffer from it, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Luckily, there are a handful of things you can do to combat the winter blues that come with the end of daylight saving time. Keep reading to see what products you can buy and what practices you can adopt that will help you feel bright and cheery, even when the sun isn’t shining.

Practice Hygge

The Danes have found a way to embrace cold winter nights—it’s called hygge. While hygge is technically a year-round thing, it tends to be embraced most when the weather dips below freezing. In simple terms, it is the art of getting cozy. Hygge challenges you to embrace this cozy time of year by carving out special moments in the day just for you. Light a favorite candle, pour a cup of tea, and slip on your fuzzy socks. Find comfort in knowing you don’t have to leave your couch for the rest of the night.

Related: Our Coziest Winter Decorating Ideas

Light Therapy

Light therapy is one of the first things doctors recommend to someone experiencing seasonal affective disorder, though it can be equally enjoyed by folks who just miss the summer sunlight. Light therapy alarm clocks aim to cue you awake in a more natural way each morning. They work by gradually increasing in brightness, beginning around 30 minutes before your desired wake-up time. These special lamps mimic the sunlight, which can increase your energy, help balance your circadian rhythm, and get your day started on a brighter note.

Buy It: Aura Day Light Therapy Lamp, $103.89

Join a Yoga Studio

Yoga is scientifically proven to increase serotonin—the chemical responsible for stabilizing your mood and reducing anxiety. A single class can reawaken your senses and get your day started on the right foot. Since the sun rises earlier than we’re used to during daylight saving time, try practicing yoga in the morning and flow through your sun salutation with the sunrise. Consider hot yoga if your home is rather chilly. There’s nothing like a 99-degree studio to get you motivated to go to the gym!

Related: Winter Workouts 101

Take Vitamin D Supplements

If you have a 9:00-5:00 workday, there’s a good chance the sun is already starting to set by the time you get home in the winter. While sunlight is great for many reasons, it’s arguably most important for your health. Without the sun, you can develop a vitamin D deficiency. Fix that with a vitamin D supplement, like those from Good Day Chocolates. These bite-sized candies deliciously pack more than enough vitamin D in every serving. The chocolate brand also has supplements that promote sleep, energy, and relaxation.

Buy It: Good Day Chocolate Vitamin D3, $33.95

Reach Out to Friends

There’s nothing like a winter storm to make you want to curl up on the couch and not leave your home. That’s fine for one or two nights a week, but if you start to go days without seeing anyone who’s not a coworker, it can be a problem. Get out of your winter rut by remembering to stay connected with your family and friends. Take advantage of the dark evenings by hosting a bonfire or plan a weekly game night and stick to it. If the weather is keeping you in, a phone call or handwritten note can go a long way.