How I Keep Smiling When the Dark Evenings Draw In

Well, the clocks are going back soon and I don't know about you, but I always feel it. One minute it's light until gone nine and I'm out with Jasper in the evening sunshine, the next it's pitch black by half five and all I want to do is put my pyjamas on and hide under a blanket.

To be honest, I used to really struggle at this time of year. I'd get home from work, eat my tea, scroll on my phone and go to bed feeling a bit flat. Then I'd do the same thing the next day. It was a vicious cycle and I wasn't doing myself any favours.

So over the last few years I've picked up a few little habits that help me keep my smile on, even when it's dark, cold and wet outside. None of them cost much and none of them are complicated, which is just how I like it!

Get outside in the daylight when you can

I know, I know, it's easier said than done when you work full time. But even ten or fifteen minutes outside on your lunch break makes such a difference. I try to get out for a little walk most days, even if it's just round the block. On the weekends me and Jasper go for a proper long walk, wellies on, rain or shine. He doesn't care what the weather's doing, he just wants to sniff every single tree, and somehow that always cheers me up.

Make your home feel cosy

There's something lovely about closing the curtains, popping a candle on and getting the fluffy blanket out. I treat it like a little reward at the end of the day. Fairy lights, a hot chocolate, your comfiest socks, it all helps. If it's going to be dark, you might as well make it feel snug!

Have something to look forward to

Dark evenings can feel long and samey, so I like to plan little things to look forward to. It might be a film night, a takeaway on a Friday, a catch up with a mate or a new book I've been wanting to start. It doesn't have to be anything big. Just knowing there's something nice coming up gives you a bit of a lift.

Put the phone down (sometimes!)

I'm the first to admit I'm terrible for this. I'll sit down for five minutes and suddenly an hour's gone and I've watched forty videos of dogs doing silly things. Fun, yes, but I never feel any better for it. Now I try to have a bit of phone free time in the evening, maybe while I'm cooking or before bed. I sleep so much better for it too.

Write down the good bits

This one has really helped me. Every evening I jot down three good things that happened that day. Some days it's big things, other days it's as simple as Jasper not rolling in anything smelly on our walk or the bus actually turning up on time. It sounds silly, but it trains your brain to look for the good bits, even on a grey day.

If you fancy giving it a go, I've made a Self Care & Happiness Journal which you can find over in my shop. It's a nice simple way to make a bit of time for yourself each day, and I love sitting down with mine and a cuppa before bed.

Be kind to yourself

Last but not least, go easy on yourself. Feeling a bit lower in the darker months is really common and it's okay to slow down a bit. Have an early night, say no to things if you need to and don't beat yourself up if you have a lazy evening on the sofa. We're not robots!

And if the low feeling sticks around and starts to get on top of you, please don't keep it to yourself. Talk to someone you trust or have a chat with your GP. There's no shame in it at all.

So that's how I get through the dark evenings with a smile on my face (most of the time anyway!). Winter doesn't last forever and before you know it the evenings will be getting lighter again.

What helps you when the nights draw in? I'd love to hear your tips, so drop me a comment below.

Keep smiling,

Claire