To feel low about it getting dark early

[mintywinter]

I can't explain it really cos it's not logical, but these dark evenings seem to be making me feel anxious. Maybe everything seems worse this year with the cost of living and the constant bad news. I also feel less like going out in the evenings when it gets dark so early.

I hate this time of year so I can understand how you feel.

It gets dark so early, it makes me feel like I haven't got a life. It's not so bad now I work part-time, as I finish at 2.30 so still get to go out in daylight on the days that I work.

I prefer it because otherwise I am getting up and leaving the house in the dark which I find worse.

Poor DS does find it a bit spooky walking home from after school club in the dark though!

I like the dark BUT if I've still got stuff to do when it turns dark, I feel really uneasy so I kind of get what you're saying..the night is my peaceful downtime and I don't like feeling rushed in it. Plus I find artifical light way too bright and aggressive.

Why do we do it. I don't get it.

I have lovely colourful lamps which come on in at these months. Makes it much better because there is still something pretty around

Completely agree OP, I hate it and have felt really low since the weekend. Last year I bought myself a SAD lamp and it does help a bit - I put it beside my laptop as I work

November is the worst month

Barren, dark, cold. All the animals and plants pack up and do one….they’ve got it right!

My theory is that the nonsense of daylight savings time upsets circardian rhythms. We shouldn't suddenly lose an hour of evening light without a gradual reduction that gives our bodies time to catch up. It should be abolished.

Feel exactly the same OP
Hate it.
Also start eating way too many carbs to try and compensate so I'm moody AND bloated

My theory is that the nonsense of daylight savings time upsets circardian rhythms. We shouldn't suddenly lose an hour of evening light without a gradual reduction that gives our bodies time to catch up. It should be abolished.
That's interesting. I do find the change really difficult to get used to.

I bought myself a SAD lamp and it does help a bit - I put it beside my laptop as I work
Might have to look into getting one of those.

Sorry to all of those also finding it difficult Yes maybe November is the worst hamstersarse as it's still a while till the shortest day.

I love it but I like to have the fire on, a blanket and a good book. I find it super cosy.

I hate it being light at 10pm.

It's horrible.

November is not the worst month! November is ace. Bonfire night, lovely autumn colours, leaves on the ground, the smell of frost in the air (which is still novel unlike after Christmas), Christmas madness not yet began but you can still snuggle up at home. Fabulous month.

The worst month is probably March, when you’re so over winter but it just doesn’t warm up. And often very rainy.

I do like summer as well, don’t get me wrong- I love a bit of hot weather. But can’t believe anyone would speak ill of November.

If we didn't then it would be dark in the north of England and Scotland till 10am.

I find I mind the early darkness less as I get older. But I still find I have less energy and I'm completely with the PP who has no love for November: this is still my least-liked month on the calendar. It's damp and dismal, winter solstice is still far away as the clocks have only just gone back, and it often has those days of perpetual twilight: grey, heavy and the feeling that it never gets properly light.

I'm feeling it more this year as I'm recovering from a serious injury - and currently COVID as well - so have less energy than usual and still not well enough to go swimming or any of the other activities I love, and that give my energy a boost.

On the plus side the sunsets, where there is some sun, are beautiful: golden and spectacular, and I'm loving the return of the v-formations of pink-footed geese flying overhead.

But I shall always love spring and the lengthening days (and return of the swallows) best.

Get well soon MarieIVanArkleStinks

I wish I found it cosy like a couple of the posters on here, but for me it feels heavy and suffocating. It seems like you get more of an evening in the summer.

I don't like it either. I really want to like this time of year as I love Christmas and my children are very excited already, but the dark evenings made my anxiety so much worse!

I love it. It brings me joy.

I have Christmas lights up in every room and on (when occupied) from now until March. I know in advance I’m going to find it hard; I have buddies IRL who remind me that I will feel better in spring. Hand hold.

I love the cosy nights Nov and Dec, candles lit amd throw on. Not keen on Jan, I'm a bit over it by then.

Best thing to do is get out in the daylight get walking, get as mush physical activity as possible. Take Vit D.

It'll soon be the shortest day in Dec, downhill from there!

Bingo!
The first cosy
I'm waiting for snuggle, hot chocolate and candles.

They can all do one as far as I'm concerned. I hate dark and gloomy weather. I have poor eyesight and need bright light to see well.

Thanks ElbowsandArses I might try putting fairy lights up. And will get some vitamin D. Glad I started this thread, it helps to talk about it.

I don’t mind it, and I sleep bloody loads better at this time of year than I do in May when the songbirds start at 4am and are going strong until about 9pm.

there’s something womb like sleeping at this time of year.

OP it is perfectly logical.

We had four years when the clocks did not go back in winter, I am old enough to remember it. I've been to the Netherlands and France in winter where the clocks are an hour ahead of here.

It may seem not much, but the extra hour or so in the afternoon of daylight is better than in the morning. Compared with when the decision to revert to having GMT in winter was made, more people work into the evenings and fewer have early starts in say factory environments.

Hope some of the suggestions others have made help. If you are able to, I find a holiday or even a couple of day trips in winter help too.

I love it i love the cold and the dark. Im always boiling though. I sleep with the back door open. I need the fresh air. I just got some incredibly bright led kitchen lights that seem to help with the dark tho.