The time change was this weekend, and I know I'm not alone in my hatred for it. The sun going down at 5 pm always comes as a rude awakening to the fact that winter is coming, and a reminder of how short its days are.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is something I really struggle with as winter wears on- although I often don't realize it's affected me so much until I walk out into the sun one warm spring day and suddenly feel as though I've woken up from a trance. This year I'm trying to be more preemptive about my preparation for the coldest and darkest time of the year to try and minimize some of the struggles I've had in the past, such as sleeping half the day (leading to insomnia at night), canceling plans, giving up on goals, and just a general depressed mood.

I wanted to share some tips that I'll be doing my best to follow this season to help get me through! So without further ado, here are five things you can do to fight the S.A.D. and get ready for the coming months.

Seasonal deep cleaning & decorating

Refresh your space! With every changing of the seasons, I like to do a bit of deep cleaning to clear out old, stale energy and make the house feel alive again. I've found it does wonders for my psyche. And, being this time of year, it's also a great time to decorate for the holidays- or at least make your home feel cozy with candles and warm blankets.

Make a winter selfcare list

Selfcare and well-being rituals are more important than ever in winter. Write a list of things you can do that make you happy and will feed your soul when you're feeling down. I've put together a list for myself:

  • Get sunshine and time outside - or get a sunlamp
  • Put on ASMR videos like a cozy fireplace, pretty snowfall, a sunny meadow, or something tropical
  • Drink tea and curl up with a book or movie
  • Journal and practice gratitude
  • Water or repot houseplants
  • Meditate
  • Take a hot shower with a scented shower steamer
  • Bake something
  • Do yoga
  • Make a music playlist

It's also a good idea to think about medications and vitamins you can take to keep yourself healthy and happy. Consider taking vitamin D to make up for the lost sunlight, or vitamin C to ward off a cold.

Set some simple goals

Think of some simple, achievable goals that you want to meet this season. Is there an ongoing creative project you want to work on, or perhaps something new you want to try? Most of us end up spending a lot more time indoors during winter than we do in summer, so find things you can do to keep you busy and motivated. My goals for the next few months are to get back to work writing on one of my novels that I abandoned over the summer, try some clay sculpting, and work out more regularly! This way I have one project that keeps my brain busy, one that keeps my hands busy, and one that keeps me healthy. Here are some other goal ideas to inspire you:

  • Spend time planning and making healthy meals
  • Remodel or repaint your house
  • Start a 30-day yoga or workout plan
  • Have a list of books you want to read
  • Learn a new creative craft like painting, knitting, or learning an instrument
  • Start a puzzle

Establish a routine

Having a routine ties right into those self-care plans and goals you just set, and making sure you can achieve them. I know if I don't have a routine and I'm feeling sad, I just end up curled up in bed all the time. Find a gentle routine that flows and works for you in the colder months. Maybe that means waking up with the sun to get a quick workout in before work, or meal planning once a week, or journaling before bed. If there are new habits you want to make, find places in your day where they can naturally be added in. Be committed to your routine, but also give yourself grace for the days that don't go perfectly.

Make things to look forward to

Set up get-togethers or game nights with friends and family, come up with some rewards for yourself for when you meet your goals, go skiing, plan a trip somewhere warm, or book a spa day. I know that come about February, I need that- so it's good to plan ahead. Having things to look forward to will help propel you through the dreary months, and before you know it the days will grow longer again.