The days are getting shorter and dusk descends earlier and earlier. Daylight Savings Time is here, and if you find yourself feeling dreary as the time changes, look within and find your inner light to brighten up the darkness. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and bring out the joy and wonder not just for yourself, but for those around you too.
Make a gratitude list.
Reminding yourself of what you’re thankful for is a simple way to find inspiration when you’re feeling low. Each day, write down three things that spark gratitude, whether it’s a snuggle from your dog, a great workout, or a call from a friend.
Do a random act of kindness.
Make a grocery run for an elderly neighbor. Send a meal to a new parent on your street. Buy coffee for your child’s daycare teachers. Surprise a friend with flowers, just because. Being kind is easy, and it feels good to give what you can, when you can. You never know when someone will do the same for you, or when your actions will inspire someone else to be a bright light in the day.
Exercise.
It may be getting darker earlier, but you still have the same number of hours in the day. Resist the urge to plop down on the couch when you’re done with work and instead, fire up those happy endorphins with a workout. Meet friends for a class or hit up your home gym and work up a sweat to boost your mood and care for your body in these dark, cold days.
Find a moment of peace and quiet.
Yes, it can be exhausting when it’s dark at 5 PM, but those deep, plush evenings encourage you to slow down and relax too. Our busy lives don’t often leave a lot of room for quiet nights spent peacefully, so take the time to sit in the silence and enjoy a much-deserved moment of solitude. Dim the lights for a cozy glow or light a few candles and watch the shadows flicker around the room. Simply sitting with your thoughts can help you get back to balance after a long, stressful day.
Pursue a new passion.
The winter goes down easier if you have a hobby or activity to fall back on. Learn to embroider! Start a yoga practice! Take music lessons or learn to ski. Finding something you enjoy doing or setting a goal and working towards it can give you something to look forward to and establish a purpose, even when it’s cold outside. Maybe this is the year you get into outdoor winter sports, or perhaps you’ve always wanted to play the guitar.
Remember what you love about the winter.
Do the darker days mean more time with your family, snuggled up at home? Do you love to read by the fire or the glow of a lamp, covered in blankets (and maybe a cat or two?) Are nourishing soups and stews part of your winter routine? These are all things to love about the winter season and things to remember when you’re feeling exhausted by the dark and cold.
Give your body the nutrition it craves.
Liven up your diet in the winter months with lots of colorful fruits and veggies, including zesty citrus and vitamin-packed greens. Feeling less than vibrant? Floradix® Iron + Herbs Liquid Herbal Supplement is a liquid iron supplement for energy support, helping fuel your good deeds and bright light.*