From Sunsets To Sex: 7 Ways To Make The Most Of Long, Dark Nights

Long, dark winter nights UKNow that the sun’s officially begun setting before 6pm in the UK, I have to say I’ve noticed a marked decrease in my motivation.Sure, I’ll go on my morning walks – but it’s not the longer runs I enjoyed in brighter months, or even the strength training I know can boost my mood.I’ve even fallen victim to “pumpkin spice fatigue” at work. Science says I’m not alone, however. We exercise for an average of eight minutes less in the colder months, appear to do less housework, and generally sit and sleep more.This might be down to decreased vitamin D levels, seasonal changes like SAD (a disorder which affects one in three people in the UK), or even gut changes. Whatever the cause, though, I mostly care about how to handle the gloomy weather without feeling like I’m losing out – which is where the members of r/AskUK come in. Recently, u/bobbydazzler1000 asked: “How do you get through these dark miserable nights in winter?” We thought we’d share some of the best responses: 1) “Ex-Brit/current Scandinavian here, where we have ~3 hours of daylight during the winter. Lean into it.” “Seriously, accept it, and celebrate it.“Winter is now your excuse to be as cosy and extra as you can possibly be. You’re going to take whatever you enjoy in the summer and winter-ise it. You’re going to take what you can’t do (very well) in the summer and learn to love it.“Hot drinks. Cosy blankets. Knit jumpers. Knee-high socks. Clompy boots. Dramatic winter coats. Saunas. Jumping into frozen lakes. OK, not that last one. Hot water bottles. Socks in bed. Heavy duvet!“Exercise outside with more layers and high-vis clothes. Running is a whole new experience if you’re wrapped up warm and breathing cold air.” Credit:u/bluntbang2) “Do you like sunsets and sunrises?” “They can be the most beautiful parts of the day and it’s actually lovely to get them at civilised hours (in terms of being awake and out of the house).” Credit:u/Katharinemaddison“This! I go outside and watch the sunset every day, it’s great. Gives you that feeling of a beautiful view on a summer’s day,” u/Minimum_Leopard_2698 agreed.3) “Vitamin D, and get yourself outside at lunchtime if you are working, if you can.” Credit:u/QuarrieMcQuarrie4) “Wake to light if you can. I use a light on a timer to fade in and wake me gradually before my alarm goes off.” “Try to get outside and see the sky in the morning.“Embrace the cosiness of the season, celebrate the small, lovely things – autumn leaves, chestnuts, mulled wine, a nice fire and a thick blanket.” Credit:u/DocMillion5) “HYGGE.” “Get a book on it and enjoy.” Credit:u/Confident-Slice40446) “I live in the North of Scotland, so I feel you! For me, it’s vitamin D supplements, getting outside as much as I can and making a concerted effort to go out and do things with friends and family.” “I struggle with my mental health, so for me it’s all about being conscious that I’m susceptible to SAD and recognising the signs (which usually involve not getting dressed properly when working from home and not wanting to socialise, just stay in and get cosy).” Credit:u/GirlInTheIslands7) “Sex, more sex, and even more sex.” “This is exactly why more babies are born in summer months.” Credit: u/Quinacridone_VioletsRelated...Is The 'F*ck First' Rule Key To More Intimate Date Nights?9 Menopause Symptoms That Can Get Worse In Winter'Sleep Staggering' Could Prevent 3AM Wake-Ups This Winter

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