5 ways to have a good day when it’s dark all the time

Alaska is notorious for long, dark, cold winters. Right now, sunrise is around 8:40am and sunset is around 4:45pm. It could be worse, but it’s definitely getting real.

The darkness gets to me sometimes, but I don’t mind it too much and actually love the winters here. Here are the things that make the biggest difference on the daily for me, and hopefully they can help you too. 

1. Exercise outside

   The more I don’t want to, the worse the weather, the bigger “pay off” I feel when it’s over. Even if it’s just a walk, even if it’s short, it’s so worth it every time. Exercising inside is better than nothing, but I think pushing to make it happen outside is always better. 

   (And if exercising isn’t in the cards, still go outside) I’ve found I’m more likely to find the darkness depressing when I’m inside, and more likely to find it beautiful when I’m outside. 

2. Meet up with a friend or friends, call someone.                        

   I don’t even notice the weather or darkness when I’m with good people. This is the ultimate hack. I fixate on the darkness much more when I’m alone. Good people are everything

3. Do crazy things for endorphins: end a shower with 30 seconds of freezing water, cold plunge, meditate, do breathing exercises

   I swear by all of these now. They are especially effective if they replace screen time. I always feel like 1 million bucks after I do any of these.

4. The obvious ones: eat well, sleep well, consider a vitamin D supplement

   Sometimes I realize the only reason I’m not feeling good, physically or mentally, is because I’m just hungry or tired. Addressing these things on a consistent basis is life changing. Darkness can be a motivation sap, so remembering to stay on top of the fundamentals is a big focus for me.

5. Do something cozy 

   Prepare a good meal, bake, decorate something, maybe light a candle, watch a movie, read a book, listen to music, make music, do art, etc. Instagram is extremely effective at distracting me from this kind of stuff but the more I resist the better I feel.

Bonus tip: Happy Light?

I have used a Happy Light before and really liked it. I don’t think it’s enough by itself to make winter truly enjoyable, but it could be a nice icing on the cake.

Okay good luck out there. Thanks for checking in this week.

-Renae