I'm finding the dark days and nights so difficult. What can I do?

[FlippertyFlopperty]

Just that really. It's having a massive effect on my mental health and I'm feeling very much like I can't cope. Life seems so bleak. Any tips to help me get through to spring?

I really wouldn't. It wasn't meant as one.

I try to go for a walk if I’m wfh or do 30 mins of yoga if I’m in the office. I don’t like baths, I get bored.

I also sign up for things in the winter to make sure I’m doing something a couple of evenings, a yoga class, painting class, etc.. If I didn’t actually pay for a term of classes here and there all I’d do is work and not actually leave the house otherwise during the week.

How do you know? I wasn't replying to you

I am not good in the summer. Worst is when there is extreme high pollen count which affects asthma and hay fever. Then get people shouting in their back gardens playing crap music til 1am

Get outside during daylight for as long as possible every day. Do some exercise.

Thank you everyone. There's some great ideas here. I've been looking to get away for some winter sun so that will be top of my agenda to sort.

I do love a hot bath. Not good for the gas bill but it's definitely a mood improver!

Tomorrow I will force myself out for a walk. Not easy when it's cold but I'll wrap up.

I struggle too, OP, at this time of year.
As others have said, and which I'm trying myself, try to get out for walks when you can, even on a grey day there's always something to see.
Do things that make you feel good, pamper yourself, have a face mask or your own little Spa night at home with a nice bubble bath, some nice body oil and nice face cream oil to give yourself a face / hand massage. File and paint your nails. Paint your toenails.
Watch your favourite movies and spoil yourself a bit.
You're not alone, the dark days / nights can be grim 💐

@FlippertyFlopperty having warm, waterproof coats and boots helps in the winter months - it makes being outside so much less uncomfortable!

You might think this is extreme but wild swimming / cold water therapy is really good for helping with feeling a bit low. I never thought I would be doing it but it’s actually really good. Go with others though, don’t swim alone.

I don't get all teh nasty comments saying to just deal with it! It's horrible, I'm the same I've been falling asleep a every afternoon and having terrible migraines, I feel really rubbish, my lips are chapped and my eyes hurt. The dark days can affect people greatly. The problem being that your mood and energy feel very low. I'd recommend lots of vitamin supplements like b vitamins and d vitamins. Try to step outside for a little bit each day even if it's just your front door, that's all I can manage some days. But dont feel guilty flopperty for feeling g rubbish, it's a natural occurance. Just try to eat good foods, get a bit of fresh air each day and try find an activity that engages you like sewing or small DIY jobs. Best wishes!

The one main thing which has changed my relationship with long winters is getting outside and running for at least 30-40 minutes (I do as run-walk intervals to get my heart rate up but I’m not that experienced to be able to do long stretches) at least 2-3 times a week, preferably in the morning light.

I absolutely hate winter too. I've just been reading a book called How to Winter. The author spent a lot of time in Norway during the completely dark months and says that you have to change your mindset, as the Norwegians do.

I've put up fairy lights, lit candles, bought lovely snuggly new pyjamas and nice food treats.

I've been trying to get outdoors every day and doing things I enjoy, like reading more. I'm going to bed earlier and also trying to plan some meet-ups and nice things to do during the day, as I really don't want to go out much in the evenings.

Been watching lots of old comedy on TV as well.
Basically you need to look at it as a chance to rest, listen to what your body wants. Enjoy things you wouldn't do in the summer.

I hope this helps as it can be really tough.

Solidarity OP. It is very very tough to winter at northern latitudes. Want to thank you for starting this thread as there are so many great suggestions that could help the rest of us.

I definitely benefit from being outside as much as possible, it’s been easy so far but if it gets rainy and windy I’ll struggle. Got a fully waterproof extra warm Didriksons coat from Vinted to help keep the excuses at bay, no bad weather only bad clothes as they say but it’s not always that simple is it?

Can you get a torch and high visibility/reflective jacket and go out for walks in the evenings? I’ve started doing that. I even saw an owl a few nights ago. It really cheered me up.

Otherwise, I have long baths, read, watch tv.

This probably isn’t that helpful… but perhaps as an alternative way of looking at it..
But I love this time of year. Foggy atmospheric days, autumn colours, gunmetal skies, candles, wood fires. Since the clocks changed Im getting up early and I love the extra time when everyone’s asleep in the dark. Try and embrace it?!

Good that you've been to the Drs to see if any underlying issues. Even low ferritin can knock people's energy and mood.

Do you work, have kids? The key, imo, is physical activity. So walk wherever you can, have loud music playing that will motivate and boost your mood.

Then as others have said just focus on cosiness once dark. Lots of candles and fairy lights so instead of feeling dark and depressed you feel chilled an relaxed.

@Errors can you please tell me which one you got? The selection is huge.. thanks!

I find planning ahead helps. So I bookmark things to watch, like the last series of The Great British Sewing Bee, and cosy easy dramas where there are lots of episodes.

I spend some time doing my hobbies. In my case I am learning an instrument, which is taking way more time and commitment than I envisaged. But I am loving the ability to play well known tunes!

Yes to vitamin D and early nights. Add an audiobook, plus putting on the electric blanket before getting into bed, and it's a lovely way to fall asleep.

I’m sorry you’ve had some nasty responses OP. Lots of people just don’t understand how hard it can be when you suffer with the lack of light.

It’s been particularly tough recently as we’ve had zero sunshine since the clocks changed (unless you’re in Scotland!) so a double whammy.

Sad lamps are helpful. And making sure your vitamin D levels are topped up with a supplement.

What has helped me so far this year (I’m normally awful) is kind of leaning in to it a bit more. I still exercise and get light in the day but I am hunkering down in the evenings and putting less pressure on myself to go out and do lots. Bit more rest than normal. Reading books etc.

There’s a really good book called ‘Wintering’ which can help us make sense of this period. It also outlines what people do in the Scandi countries to help with the lack of light.

I hate the winter months, too, going to work in the dark, getting home in the dark, walking the dog who seems to be hyper alert with senses in the dark and harder work. I find exercise helps, I do 2 sports and training is 3 evenings a week. Dog and I do dog activities clubs at the weekend. Keeping busy helps, and then evenings are less of a daunting prospect and more cosy.

I've got a few lamps on timers so when I come home the house looks welcoming and when I get up in the morning I am walking in to a room that isn't dark.

Definitely go for a walk every day. I've got a dog and walking her in the woods is the favourite part of my day. There is always something beautiful to look at. Going for a walk is not something I would have done before.

I struggle too but what I've definitely found below is getting outdoors. If you feel it's already cold, they to invest in some outdoor clothing. Go for layers, thermal vest, fleece, thin gilet, windproof jacket, hat, gloves, something to keep your neck warm. Many days I've gone out I'd have imagined the weather to be much worse if I stayed in them or actually was and I'd have missed out.

Take magnesium and vitamin d. Magnesium is just as important.

I've been looking into circadian rhythm and I'm starting to understand how important getting some direct daylight is, not thru windows
It's also a good idea to get up earlier. Even on weekends now I set my alarm rather than sleep in.

Quality of light is also important. Less blue light, more daylight and candlelight.

If you're struggling with money and it's hard to heat your home etc then it's really hard.

But if you're not in that boat then rolling with the dark and cold really helps. Get out as much as possible all year and it helps you appreciate the change in seasons. I like running but struggle in the summer as I overheat so really enjoy the cooler runs. I also swim outdoors and am trying to enjoy cold water swimming. Walking does the trick just as well.

But if you're an indoor person then finding good tv, books, hobbies that you might not have time for in summer. Cooking, languishing in hot baths etc.

I guess the idea that we live where half the year is cold and dark and you can't escape it!

I find appreciating the changes each season bring is a good strategy; winter is about getting cosy, lighting candles and looking forward to Christmas. After Christmas it’s about a fresh start and looking forward to the new year and the little signs of spring etc etc. Treat yourself to a nice candle and make the most of dark nights with a good book and your favourite food!