Daylight savings has come to an end, and suddenly the days feel shorter and the nights feel extraordinarily longer. Around this time of year where I live, it nears complete darkness at about the time I would typically eat dinner. If you’re anything like me, this early darkness is really difficult to combat. Just because we’ve set our clocks back does not mean we have to allow ourselves to be set back, too.
These are three of my most necessary survival tips that I would normally implement, and that have been altered to accommodate for health and safety during the pandemic.
- Establish a Routine
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I cannot emphasize this one enough. Daylight savings or not, this is such an important way for me to stay on track in all aspects of my life. For me, it’s the absolute best way to calm any anxiety or stress I may be having, because I have time set out for concrete events such as work, school and the gym that I can depend on.
Obviously, life is unpredictable, so it’s unreasonable to assume you will be able to follow the exact same routine every single day, but having some type of organization to your day that you follow in whatever way you can is very helpful. This is especially true during this time when it’s easy to become distracted and unmotivated. I have a similar routine I follow every week, and at the start of each week, I sit down and write it in my planner. I start by outlining relevant responsibilities, such as my class times and work schedule, and then I add in time for exercise, meditation, time outside with my dog, study time and anything else I may have come up for the week. Writing down the things I want to accomplish each day and incorporating them in with my more consistent schedule helps me make the most of each day, and everything can be modified in some way so it doesn’t feel monotonous. Get creative with it, and use this as a source of comfort and stability!
- Appreciate the Little Things
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In my opinion, I think this has become easier with everything that is going in the world, but it’s still worth mentioning. Quarantine and isolation have hopefully opened your eyes to the normal parts of life that are taken for granted, so carry that mindset into these winter months. The early darkness is challenging for me because I really thrive off of being outdoors, and the sunlight helps me keep my energy throughout the day. Something important for me to do is really appreciate the small things, such as getting outside to breathe in the fresh air and get some vitamin D.
Some other ways to help brighten these dark days are to treat yourself and relish in those feelings of joy and peace. Treat yourself to your favorite meal occasionally, or find time to connect with a friend or two in a safe setting. Appreciate the time you can get outside of home; a change of pace and scenery will likely be refreshing. This is a great way to refocus if you have a place you feel comfortable going to study, do some work, or attend a virtual class. It’s the little things that can help keep you going, so do yourself a favor and make those moments count.
- Prioritize your Wellbeing
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Be in tune with what your body and mind are telling you. If you feel tired or worn out, make the necessary adjustments, whether it be getting more rest or adjusting your diet. You can not be successfully productive until you take care of yourself first.
For many people, staying active is a big part of how they feel their best, which is difficult if you are not comfortable or able to go to the gym, a yoga studio or a favorite fitness class. Even if you don’t typically love working out, exercise is a great way to stay energized and focused, and it can be managed in these unprecedented circumstances. It doesn’t have to be intense, but a nice walk outside with your dog, a friend, or safely by yourself is a great way to start off the day feeling good. There are also plenty of free at-home workouts available on YouTube that are worth trying out. I like to follow-up on a morning workout with a calming meditation. This allows me to go through my day with a clear mind and helps me feel as though I am functioning to my highest potential. By prioritizing how I feel through exercise, what I eat and staying hydrated, I feel strong and capable.
This time of year is always such a struggle for me to navigate, and I was so worried approaching the start of it while also trying to navigate a pandemic. These three tips are things I feel have helped me to maintain productivity and success, even when I feel completely unmotivated. Be self-aware of the things you need to adjust and find what works for you in adjusting them. Lastly, and most importantly, do not be afraid to ask for help. Whether it be a friend, family member or counselor, it’s necessary to have someone to lean on for support.