The clocks have gone back and British summertime has officially ended.
We’re into the season of long, dark evenings which I know a lot of people struggle with. Not surprising really, it’s not much fun heading out to work in the dark and leaving the office in the dark too.
While we can’t change the weather or the season, we can change the way we react to it and think more positively about the long, dark evenings. It’s all about finding things to do to actually make the most of this time in the winter months.
So much of life is about the details for me.
It’s not all about the big days out and the milestone moments, it’s the little things that bring the most happiness and joy.
The little things that are the bonuses, like a surprise lemony filling in the cake you’re eating, or the freshly painted skirting boards that add the finishing touch to a newly decorated room.
These little things are what can help get you through the dark winter evenings.
Here are some ideas of things you can try:
1. Do a spot of star-gazing
Take advantage of the sun going down long before bedtime and take the children out for a bit of star-gazing.
Wrap them up warm and head out somewhere at least a little bit away from the artificial light of street lamps. Then simple look up and see what constellations you can find.
2. Try a new hobby
Long evenings spent inside are a great opportunity to try and learn something new.
It could be knitting so that you can make yourself a gorgeous blanket to curl up with, or to give to a loved one at Christmas.
Or maybe you’d prefer to dig out the paints and get a bit arty.
There are various benefits to getting creative so it’s worth trying a few things and seeing what you enjoy the most.
3. Whip up some warming drinks
The dark, cold evenings of winter are a perfect excuse to indulge in a delicious warming drink.
I love a hot chocolate, with a good glug of Baileys in it, at this time of year.
If you have trouble sleeping then you could try making some golden milk, and if you’re already feeling festive then get some mulled wine on the go.
4. Get out in the daylight
We all need a good dose of natural light to feel well and to keep our body-clocks in order.
So make a point of getting out for a walk during the day if you can.
5. Start a movie night tradition
Find a film the whole family will enjoy and curl up in the warm together once a week for a movie night.
You can make it a special treat for everyone with popcorn, chocolate and other sweet treats.
6. Go for a torch walk
If you have to go out with the children in the evening when it’s dark, make it fun rather than a chore.
Get everyone their own torch and let them wave them around and see what they can pick out with them as you walk.
7. Plan treats
If you find that you are dreading the dark evenings, then plan something to look forward to each day.
Find a series on Netflix that you can watch an episode (or 3) of after work. Get a few new books out of the library to curl up on the sofa with. Grab a tin of chocolates while they’re on offer and crack them open even though it’s not Christmas yet.
Hopefully some of these suggestions will work for you and help you enjoy the winter months that bit more.
What do you like to do this time of year to make the most of the long, cold evenings?
Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post