Daylight saving time has passed, which means it gets dark earlier than ever. It also means that as each day passes, it’s getting darker. Every year, this sneaks up on me. I got so used to the sun being out until 9 p.m. during the summer, and now everything is dark and depressing, and it’s hard to handle. Especially for college students, a lot of us don’t get up until later in the morning. This means we only have a couple of hours of light before the sun sets, and then it’s dark again. While I do like cold weather, and I love the holiday season, I cannot deal with the darkness. Here are a few tips for making the best of this dark time without letting it get you down too much.
1. watch the sunrise and sunset
I personally don’t watch the sunrise, but I’ve heard from other people that it’s a great way to feel better during the darker days. Waking up early can be annoying, but getting to watch the sun come up is a great experience. The idea of getting to see the sun come up and go down is a little bit inspiring, especially because it means you are experiencing as much daylight as you possibly can. It’s important to make the best of the days where it’s darker out, and watching the sunrise and sunset are great ways to do just that!
2. Make plans for the future
I know it’s dark and somewhat depressing outside now, but soon it won’t be! Spring and summer are right around the corner, and one way to feel better is to make plans for that time. Whether it be planning a spring break trip with your friends or a summer party with your family, making plans that you are excited about will help get you out of a seasonal funk. You also don’t have to make plans that far in the future. Even planning a fun thing to do for a week from now will get you excited. The thing that’s important is having something to look forward to because that will make everything feel a little bit better.
3. Light Therapy
This tip is specifically from my mom. When the sun starts setting earlier, she pulls out her light box. A light box is a special kind of lamp that shines a light that mimics sunlight. According to Mayo Clinic, the type of light used in light therapy can help with things like tiredness and bad moods. These are great tools for people who get Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or for anyone else who feels bummed out by the darker months. It’s a way to get some light while not having to go outside into the cold. Make sure to research light therapy before getting a lamp or a light box to make sure it’s right for you.
4. listen to music
My first suggestion is to listen to songs that help you lean into sadness. There are so many great albums that are perfect for the colder months. A few favorites of mine are Stranger in the Alps by Phoebe Bridgers and Evermore“by Taylor Swift. When I listen to those, I really feel the winter energy, in a great way. Specifically, the song “Evermore,” by Swift featuring Bon Iver, is the perfect winter song. The line, “Gray November, I’ve been down since July,” captures the sadness of the colder months. The song ends on a hopeful note, though, with the line, “I had a feeling so peculiar, this pain wouldn’t be for evermore.” Leaning into the sadness can help you feel better. It’s awesome to be able to listen to music that resonates with you emotionally, and it can feel cathartic to really feel your feelings through these songs.
My second suggestion is to listen to songs that get you out of that winter funk. I would suggest creating a playlist that reminds you of summer and listening to that on repeat. Music is a great tool for making you feel better. There are so many great songs that feel like summer and can get you in that warm-weather mood. Summer pop music can help you remember the times when it wasn’t so cold out, and it can make you feel like there are lots of things to look forward to! Below is my summertime playlist that I made last year. When I listen to this, it reminds me of swimming in the pool, going out for ice cream, and lots of other summer activities I can’t wait to do.
5. make the most of the daylight
When it’s cold out, it can be easy to spend all day inside, but getting outside and taking advantage of the daylight is super important. Vitamin D can improve your mood and give you energy. So, whether it be taking a walk with a friend, going for a run, or leaving your dorm for a minute to soak up the sun, spending time outside will make you feel better. I know it can be difficult during colder months, especially with so much wind on campus, so try your best to bundle up.
Feeling hopeful
I’m writing this in November, but by the time you read this, it will be mid-December. That means you are already much closer to spring! After Dec. 21, the sun will begin to set later and we will get a lot more daylight. Then soon after that it will be spring, with the sun out and flowers blooming. I’m definitely looking forward to it, and I’m sure a lot of you feel the same way. In the meantime, enjoy the holiday season and try some of these tips to make you feel better about this winter darkness.