This past Sunday afternoon, as I was walking the dogs with my wife, we noticed the sky turning dark. We initially thought it was about to pour, and almost turned around to avoid getting soaked. But we quickly remembered that we had just turned back the clocks, and spent the remainder of the walk discussing the impact of the change.
So, as some of us find ourselves in this funk of early winter darkness (especially those in areas that turn back the clocks), I share a few thoughts and suggestions that may help.
- Shift your day a bit. The time change just moved the goalposts a bit. Perhaps now is a good time to wake up a bit earlier to get some morning exercise while the sun is out. Or, on the other end of the day, get out early enough to enjoy a nice sunset before dinner.
- Take advantage of the darkness. Sometimes darkness can have its benefits. Take advantage of it with games and activities that are better in the dark. Candle-light dinners. Hide and seek. Flashlight laser tag.
- Think about the holidays. Although the stress of the holidays may add to the funk, try to think about the positives associated with them. Time with family. Days off from work. Presents. And, of course, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Be grateful for the light we have. Just think of the people in Barrow Alaska who are currently in their 67-day period of darkness. The sun won’t come out for them until sometime around January 23.
- Complain all you want. Of course, sometimes, it just feels good to get it out and complain with others who are sharing the experience. My wife and I started that on Sunday, and I’m sure there’ll be many more such conversations over the next few months.
While the darkness (and cold here in New England) can make for some miserable days, just remember that the light will be back soon. And, without the darkness we probably wouldn’t appreciate the brighter days quite as much. So, we’ve got that going for us. 🙂
Jeff Freedman
CEO/Managing Partner
Small Army | Finn Partners