When it gets to this time of year, you can feel the darkness creeping in. When the clocks go back on 27th October signaling the end of British Summer Time, sunset will be at just before quarter to five! Understandably, a lot of people (myself included) are not at all keen on the shorter days. I definitely notice a decline in my mental health as we get closer to winter. However, there are positive things about the days being shorter!
In summer, the longer days make you feel like you have to be on the go doing something the whole time. Shorter days hold less pressure in that respect. You can light candles, snuggle down and get cosy. It makes you prioritise what you need to do in the daylight and what you don’t, which can boost productivity. I find it makes me appreciate it when it is light more, especially on those beautiful crisp autumn days. It’s good to get out and get as much Vitamin D as you can when there is the opportunity, whereas sun is a little more taken for granted in the summer. Although not totally of course, this is Britain! Plus the endorphins you’ll get from stepping on crunchy leaves well help stave off seasonal depression a little!
If you’re an introvert like me, you welcome the fact that you don’t have to socialise quite as much in the autumn and winter. (Well, until Christmas comes along!) Darker nights are the perfect excuse to recharge those social batteries and indulge in hobbies such as reading or crafting. There’s no need to feel guilty. Just as trees shed their leaves to rest for the winter and animals hibernate, it is time for us to withdraw and rest more too. This makes it a perfect time for self-care and self-reflection! A relaxing soak in the bath just isn’t anywhere near as good as on a cold night, after all.