5 Tips to Cope with the Colder, Shorter Days Ahead

Now that daylight saving time, a major antagonist in our sleep tale, is over, we must "fall back." Many people suffer from the "winter blues," which can manifest as low energy, less socialising, trouble concentrating, and an overall sense of depression as the days become shorter.

Early sunsets can cause darkness by 5:00 p.m., which can throw our internal clocks for a loop. We turned to behavioural psychologist to deal with the loss of sunshine.

Here's our top five suggestions for handling the time shift below.

1. Get ready in advance.

It's important to observe animals in nature and how they deal with the changing seasons when considering seasonal behaviour. Stay here with us. Naturally, animals are ready for them. Imagine a bear spending the winter hibernating.

Being highly evolved creatures, humans experience four distinct seasons, each of which offers unique resources. The shift can be made easier by concentrating on the aspects of the season that we enjoy. It doesn't surprise us and isn't as startling.

For instance, cashmere and wool sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes and the shifting hues of the leaves and weather are all associated with autumn and winter. Everything about those things is exciting. We can better prepare for the time change and enjoy the things we love about the season when we build anticipation around it.

2. Engage your senses.

Consider what sensory components you can incorporate into your area as you prepare for the next winter. Perhaps cosy socks, soft blankets, or candles with delightful aromas like pumpkin or pine.

Go get cosy items. You don't have to repeat it to us. A warm bath before snuggling into all the cosiness is another notion that we adore.

Our senses are stimulated by things like the lights on a Christmas tree and the scent of a fireplace. Try using all five senses as part of your "winter survival toolbox" to enhance your mental well-being.

3. Embrace the sentimentality.

Remember your early years and the things you enjoyed about the changing of the seasons, such as carving pumpkins, decorating your Christmas tree, building fires or brewing hot chocolate. Those reassuring and nurturing recollections can also be a useful tool.

4. Recognise that seasons change.

Remember that seasons come and go, and each season—like life itself—presents change by maximising the positive aspects of each season, we can lessen the impacts of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and adjust to time shift more effectively.

Know that if you don't enjoy the season, it will soon end and be replaced by another.

5. Make a list.

The next few months with less sunshine might be seen as a chance to reflect, be more introspective, become more introspective, and engage in self-care. Because so much of our health is a psychosomatic reaction, take stock of your self-care regimen and determine whether it is sufficient. Are you getting out in nature, taking walks, and moving about during the day? Be present in your body and tap into it. We are better for others when we look for ourselves.

You can manage the end of daylight saving time by using these techniques, even though the colder, shorter days are difficult. Go buy that comfortable cashmere blanket, embrace the extra hour of sleep, and take pleasure in the earlier sunsets!