Finding some light in the darkness
Every year I dread Daylight Savings, but now that I’m in college it seems to hit me even harder. I suddenly feel much more affected by the time change, the darkness at 4 PM and the bitter November cold. Despite these challenges, this year I’m trying to stay more positive by prioritizing five things that make the lost daylight seem a little less sad:
1. TRYING NEW RECIPES
Moving from a dorm to an apartment is a difficult transition. I’m still not used to having to pack my lunch on long days when I know I won’t be able to make it back home until 5:00. Nevertheless, I’ve been enjoying spending time on new recipes in the past couple of weeks to help me cope with the darkness that sets in way too early. It helps to have a task to keep me busy each night. Lately I’ve been making myself new recipes for dinner, but this week I’m spicing it up by trying out a dessert recipe: dark chocolate avocado mousse. Wish me luck!
2. THE DIPLOMAT
After having it recommended to me several times by people in my life, I finally decided to start The Diplomat and I have not regretted it. As a lover of The West Wing, my family and friends had an inkling that I would enjoy The Diplomat for similar reasons, especially because it features Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford. They were right. I love sitting down to watch this show each night because it provides a good distraction at the end of the day!
3. COZY JAZZ PLAYLISTS
One thing that’s particularly hard by the time Daylight Savings rolls around is staying motivated. When it gets dark so early on in the day, it’s hard to convince my brain that there is still work to be done. One thing that’s helped me lately is finding a cozy jazz playlist to put on in the background as I work. There’s something very Fall about these sounds, and it prevents me from scrolling on my phone.
4. LEAVING ROOM FOR EXCITEMENT
During this time of year when the days feel like they’re over so quickly, one thing I find to bring me joy is taking time to be excited about things. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, especially as students when the stress piles on and multiple tests fall in the same week. When I feel overwhelmed, I find it helpful to think about what I have to look forward to in the coming weeks. This is easier in November and December when the holidays are quickly approaching, but I think it’s always a gift to feel excited about something.
5. AN ABUNDANCE OF CANDLES
I owe this coping mechanism to my mom. Candles feel more appropriate this time of year as the weather gets colder and the darkness sets in earlier. I’m currently enjoying picking out new scents and lighting one each night to help make my environment a bit more comfortable. Another thing I’m missing at school is a fireplace like the one I have back home, so sometimes I’ll seek out woodwick candles so I can still hear that crackling noise and be transported to a cozier place!
I’m slowly learning the importance of being intentional in doing things that bring me joy, and these are just a few that I’ve found especially effective during Daylight Savings these past couple of weeks. Most of these things are small joys, but all it takes is a little pick me up at the end of the day to make the darkness seem a little less daunting!