The increasingly short days and long nights of the autumn can evoke a sense of unease among Brits. Dark, cloudy days that seem to end before we finish work can be uninspiring and lead some to suffer from seasonal affective disorder.
With the right mindset and activities, you can turn autumn and winter evenings into something to look forward to rather than endure.
Create a Cosy Environment
Lighting can have a surprisingly tangible impact on your mood in the evenings. Swap harsh overhead bulbs that make your kitchen and living room feel like a dentist’s for softer, layered options. Aim tocreate a warm glow through a mix of floor and desk lamps around the room.
When it comes to textures, think chunky knit throws draped across the sofa and velvet cushions. Scents can also make a difference, so opt for seasonal fragrances like cinnamon and spiced orange to change the atmosphere to seasonal cheer instead of solely aiming to keep the cold out.
Rediscover At-Home Entertainment
Colder temperatures are the perfect excuse to revive the cosy indoor activities you may have neglected over the summer. Film nights and board games are classics that never go out of style, and are an easy way to have friends and family over.
Music is another great way to set the tone for a cosy evening in. While streaming services are convenient, theritual of playing vinyl on turntables offers a slower, more immersive experience. The richer sound quality, combined with the act of carefully choosing a record and dropping the needle, makes listening feel like an event worth the effort.
Cook Seasonal Comfort Food
Autumn and winter call for more hearty dishes like Sunday roasts and slow-cooked stews. Taking the time to follow a recipe with your partner or kids can be a rewarding experience, with the bonus of making the house smell nice. Cooking canprovide therapeutic benefits by increasing mindfulness and reducing the cycle of worrying thoughts about work.
Cooking together can help establish a healthy routine and create something to look forward to as a family. Instead of relying on takeouts, you can save money and break up the monotony of long nights with a rewarding family ritual on many days of the week, as you’d like.
Make Time for Personal Rituals
Darker nights present an opportunity to slow down and focus on yourself. Don’t view early sunsets as restrictive; treat them as a time to start reading that book you’ve never got round to opening or trying a new video game you wouldn’t usually play.
Journaling can help you unwind after a stressful day in the office to understand your thoughts and feelings better. Turn off your phone and spend at least ten minutes writing about anything that matters to you, like personal goals or ideas at the back of your mind.
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