Early sunsets got you down? November can be a tough time for everyone, especially students. As the semester drags through its final weeks, the sun begins to set earlier and earlier each day. The class that you once walked out of in the sunlight now greets you with darkness. Luckily, there are a couple of things that we can all incorporate into our lives to help with the sudden change.
The largest and probably most important factor to keep in mind during the change is prioritizing your physical and mental health. Maintaining a proper sleep schedule is essential during this time. As soon as the sun goes down I know many of us are ready to curl up and go to sleep, but this is just not realistic. However, to help with the early evening burn out, getting a decent amount of sleep the night before will prove to be immensely helpful. Waking up earlier than usual is also recommended during this time to make the most of the hours of daylight.
Rather than waking up in the late morning, when the sun has already been shining for hours, try getting yourself on a new schedule. Waking up earlier followed by going to bed earlier (and therefore experiencing less hours of darkness) is said by professionals to help with feelings of tiredness and sadness during the colder months.
Now, other than sharing advice you have probably heard a million times before, there are other, more enjoyable methods of coping with early sunsets than simply sleeping. One key strategy is to get out of your dorm more often. Go to the library to study with friends rather than staying locked up in your room. Even a mere meal with the people you are close with can make the dark sky feel a little brighter.
On the topic of getting outside, take advantage of the time the sun is up and go outdoors! Whether it be walking to class, or sitting on a bench with some friends, being exposed to sunlight is very important for the human body. Doctors recommend at least 10-15 minutes a day of sun exposure. While you may get this simply by walking to class, it definitely helps to experience a little more. With such a beautiful campus around us, it is hard to not want to be outside.
The sun setting also does not need to be a topic of dread. Make the sunset something to look forward to, rather than negatively awaiting. Our campus is home to one of the best sunset-watching spots I have been to — Horse Barn Hill. Grab a couple of friends and hike the hill to watch the sunset together or even go alone! The hill is a very peaceful spot and making an activity out of watching the early sunset gives it meaning and excitement.
Winter sunsets are unique and deserve to be celebrated like those in summer are. The plentiful hours when light is not present are not ideal but try not to dwell on this. Admire the beauty of the pale colors and take a couple minutes each day to take a break from whatever you are doing and look out the closest window (or go outside) to observe the early sunset.
For the time spent indoors, there is something that can also aid the darkness — lighting. Not just any lighting, but warm tone lighting. Warmer lights allow a space to feel homier. If you are not on campus, light those candles or that fire, but if you are, turn on your salt lamp or string lights! Creating an environment for yourself that does not center around sterile fluorescent lighting can make the sun going down not such a bad thing. I even look forward to getting to turn on all of my atmospheric lighting.
On the topic of lighting, light therapy is also an option. Those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) have often been recommended by doctors to purchase a lamp specifically made to mock the sun and help treat the condition. This form of therapy is also helpful for other mental health issues. If you think this could be beneficial for you, please reach out to a health professional before buying one!
The final recommendation I can make to cope with early sunsets is taking the time to do the things you enjoy. Taking up new hobbies or practicing old ones or simply putting on your favorite movie can make the biggest difference. Keep up with all the things you would normally be doing and remember that the seasons are constantly changing. That being said, stay bright and remember to take care of yourselves!