Daylight Savings Wellness Tips
The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting longer, and suddenly, it’s about time to pull out your comfiest, warmest sweaters. But – with the joys of a new season also sometimes come the challenges of adjusting to these shorter fall and winter days. Longer nights and fewer hours of sunlight can significantly impact many aspects of our mental well-being, making it key to find ways to intentionally get you through – and embrace – this time of year. So, we compiled some tips to maximize your wellness this season.
TIPS:
Maximize your sunlight: According to health experts, getting as much sunlight as you can — particularly first thing in the morning, is a great way to offset those winter blues. Make it a goal to get at least 10 minutes of sunlight before you start your day. This could be in the form of going for a walk or simply stepping outside.
Create a cozy environment: It’s candle season! Creating a warm and comfortable environment is a great way to enjoy your indoor space more. Consider lighting a candle, brewing up a cup of tea, rearranging your furniture, or perhaps getting (and taking care of!) an indoor plant. Creating an inviting space for yourself can have profoundly positive impacts on your wellness.
Set small, daily goals: Make a list of seemingly small, achievable goals for each day. This could be as simple as doing your laundry, making the bed, calling your loved ones, or doing the dishes. Writing down and completing these kinds of tasks will help you build a sense of accomplishment throughout your days and can be a motivator for bigger and more difficult tasks.
Practice gratitude: Praying, engaging in dhikir and writing down things you’re grateful for are great ways to take a step back and appreciate all of the blessings that surround us. Set aside some time each day – even if it’s just for five minutes – to reflect on all of the positive things in your life.
Remember, this is temporary: Seasons come and go! Allah SWT reminds us in the Quran, “Verily, with hardships, come ease” (94:6). Keep in mind that the seasons will change again and that you are one day closer to a brighter day.
