It’s only been a few weeks since we put the clocks back but for some of us, it already feels like an eternity.
Much as we loved that precious extra hour in bed, the dark evenings (creeping in earlier all the time) are just dreary. And working from home or not getting out of the house as much as usual, really doesn’t help.
To make the most of daylight hours and blow away those winter blues, here are some nifty ways to switch the (natural) light onto your daily routine…
1. Eat lunch al fresco
It may be chilly with a nip in the air, but there’s nothing lovelier than eating outdoors in the fresh air. Especially if you manage to feel the warm glow of the sun on your face. It’s just a question of wrapping up cosily – and some delicious hot chocolate wouldn’t go amiss.
2. Sweep the leaves
Not only is this good exercise, but sweeping the leaves off your steps or path will stop anyone sliding on them when there’s a downpour. Depending on the size of your garden, raking leaves and keeping them in a pile could serve as mulch or compost come the time. And all the while, you’ll be getting your Vitamin D.
3. Take a tea break outside
Pull up a garden chair or perch on your steps with a lovely cuppa, instead of curling up on the sofa. You’ll be amazed how much better you’ll feel (and less lethargic too) from just a few minutes spent in the fresh air.
4. Go for an early morning walk
According to the NHS, even a single 15-minute walk can give you an energy boost – and the park or countryside is always that much more lovelier in the morning as the winter sun gently rises. Watching the dawn mists lift or crunching through frosty leaves first thing are also early morning treats.
5. Move the furniture round
Think about moving your favourite chair or sofa so it faces the window. The same goes for your home office set up. While you may be hard at work on your laptop, there’s nothing more cheering than feeling the sunlight breaking through the clouds and casting a warming glow over your work space.
6. Make the most of mirrors
Using mirrors to brighten a room is one of the oldest tricks in the book – and you’ll be amazed at the results. Mirrors bounce light around, make everything look brighter and give the illusion of space. The bigger, the better…. simply place opposite or next to a window to increase the amount of natural light.
7. Clean the windows
It may not be obvious at first glance, but take a closer look and those nasty streaks could be filtering that all important daylight. Wash the windows inside and out so they’re sparkling clean – mix one part hot water to one part distilled vinegar for best results.
8. Pull the curtains back and open the blinds
Funny how it’s easy to forget that pulling up the blinds or fastening the tie-backs on your curtains can let that much more light in – and give you an all important window on the outside world.
