Do you struggling waking up in these dark mornings and generally just feel a little meh? The days are growing shorter and the nights are longer… for many of us, it’s a challenge to adjust to this. It can be a real struggle: but there’s things you can do to make this time of year more enjoyable and productive.

Here are some tips on dealing with darker mornings and evenings…

Embrace a morning routine

Your summer routine may no longer serve you as the darker mornings roll in: so make some tweaks.

You find that starting your day with positive morning affirmations to boost your wellbeing and start your day on the right track. A daylight lamp can also help if your body is struggling with the dark mornings, to combat the seasonal change.

You could also make a plan for your day to help you stay motivated and on track. Create to-do lists and set goals to help you manage your time and work out what you want to achieve with your time.

Get daylight where you can

Try and still get that vitamin D from the outside where you can. This might involve a quick walk at lunch, which can also help energise you.

Don’t forget about lighting

Good lighting can really affect your mood and productivity.

Struggle waking up? Look for a natural light alarm clock as this helps to simulate sunrise to gently wake up.

In the evening, look for soft, warm lighting to create a cozy atmosphere. Harsh, bright lights can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle, so be careful.

Get yourself a SAD light

Do you find that your mood can get quite low during the winter months? It could be due to the lack of light and you could have something called SAD- ‘seasonal affective disorder’. “It’s thought the light may improve SAD by encouraging your brain to reduce the production of melatonin (a hormone that makes you sleepy) and increase the production of serotonin (a hormone that affects your mood),” from NHS.

Some people find that using a special SAD light and sitting with it for around 30 minutes could help stimulate the sunlight that you’re missing.

Stay active

Resist the urge to hibernate under the blankets for the whole autumn/winter! Staying active, even something like a brisk morning walk, can combat the lethargy that comes from darker days, can help boost your energy levels and elevate your mood.

Make sleep a priority

Dark evenings are the perfect time to prioritise sleep. Create that perfect bedtime routine that works for you. Keep your room dark, cool and quiet in the evening and make sure your bed is comfortable.

Stay connected

During the darker days, you can start feeling a little isolated. So make sure to stay connected with friends and family and seek support if you’re struggling… reach out.

Tweak your evening routine

Feel yourself getting tired earlier because of the lack of sunshine? Your brain sees the darkness and thinks it’s time to unwind… maybe you can embrace slow evenings, more cozy evenings at home. Opt for comfort with blankets, read a good book… soothe your soul.

Enjoy the seasonal activities

Tis the season of lights and Christmas activities. If you enjoy those sort of things, take advantage of the events around you… whether its lights getting switched on or visiting a seasonal market, enjoy what this season has to offer. Appreciate the starry nights, festive lights and the cozy indoor activities too and find joy in the every day.