Many people feel tired and sluggish during winter. This is due to the lack of sunlight, which disrupts our sleep and waking cycles. When the days get shorter, your body will naturally want to sleep longer and will adjust its rhythm to the hours of daylight. Use the longer evenings to wind down and begin relaxing before bed. Try to go to bed as early as possible to give your body enough rest during the times it craves it the most. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Giving your body a routine will help your body adjust and be more at ease.
Many people choose to use light boxes that operate on a timer and turn on gradually when it’s time to wake up. This helps your body feel like it is morning. Using this method means that over time, it will be easier to wake up, even if it’s dark outside.
Get outdoors in natural daylight as much as possible. De-stress with exercise or meditation – stress has been shown to make you feel tired. Don’t use the cold winter months as an excuse to stay in and lounge around. Instead, get out to try out a new activity – maybe ice skating, or taking a brisk winter walk through the park or even on the beach.
Bonus; regular exercise helps control your weight and boost your immune system.