Fall is a glorious time of year and truly is my favourite season! Beautiful colours, cooler temperatures, comfort food, and cozy sweaters. But when the season changes from warm to cool, the amount of daylight we have gets shorter and shorter. And the winter blahs are inevitable.

Daylight Savings Time ended a few days ago (Yeah!). So now the sun will be setting when I get off work, after dinner outdoor play will be under the cover of darkness, and bedtime routines will inevitably pose a challenge.

But along with the clocks going back an hour there are the underlying physical and emotional effects that some may feel as well. Feelings of sadness and depression, let alone the general angst of less daylight hours, are commonly known to afflict many people.

Despite getting the winter blahs at times, I do try to look on the brighter side of, what seems like, the longest months of the year!

Here are ways of overcoming and thriving during the shorter days of fall and winter.

Embrace the weather. Even though the temperature has dipped and there may be snow on the ground, get outdoors and soak up the sunshine. Getting a little natural Vitamin D is good for your health in many ways. Like improved brain function and heart health. Read more here.

As little as fifteen minutes of sunshine is enough to boost your mood and even improve sleep quality. And if the weather permits, make a day of it! Go tobogganing with the family!

Related Post: What are we doing this weekend? Winter Edition

Lean on each other. Stay inside and embrace one another (hugs are theraputic!). Get in some comfy clothes, cook your fave comfort food, and watch the family’s favourite movies. Bake a batch of cookies, have a pillow fight, or make a fort in the living room. Whether you’re with family or friends, surrounding yourself with your “people” will lift your spirits tenfold.

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”

– Thich Nhat Hanh

Be selfish. Take a bath, paint your nails, get your hair done, give yourself a facial – whatever self-care routine works for you – DO IT!

Keep to your routine. Even though the urge will be to hit snooze a few times before dragging your ass out of bed – resist! Stick to the same bedtime routine as well (for adults and children) in order to maintain a healthy sleep and wake cycle.

Exercise. This is something that I need a daily reminder of! Exercise is important on any day, so don’t scrimp when the going gets tough! If outdoor activities don’t work (hello, icy roads) than opt for an indoor session. A yoga DVD or strength-training workout will be enough to get the endorphins going.

Tickle your funny bone. Laughter really is the best medicine. Whether you lighten the mood with a comedic movie or visit a local live LOL show, a gentle giggle or laugh-til-you-pee-your-pants moment can vastly improve one’s downer day. Of course, make sure your BFF is present – because laughter is contagious.

Don’t take on too much. Over working or scheduling too much can add unnecessary stress to one’s life. Assigning yourself a little project here and there can be therapeutic and rewarding; achieving a sense of accomplishment. However, too many tasks or an overly ambitious goal may set one up for failure and possibly further anxiety.

Be sure to talk to a loved one or health care professional if your depression persists or worsens. #letstalk

Book something. Whether you arrange a small getaway, a spa day, or schedule a tattoo appointment – give yourself something to look forward to. Anticipation can be comforting. Even making dinner plans with a friend or loved one can give you a boost in an otherwise dreary time.

Turn on the tunes. Get google working with some cheery and uplifting music! Upbeat songs can improve one’s mood and general outlook. Get a dance party going in the kitchen and have fun!

Lend a helping hand. Helping others, even in small ways, can help improve one’s mental health and be self-satisfying at the same time. Shovel a neighbour’s driveway, volunteer at your child’s school, or donate your time at a local animal rescue. Giving back is contagious!

However you make it through the harsh and bleak fall and winter months, so so with a smile on your face. Spring will come.