Thriving in the Big Dark

The Big Dark is the season of Fall and winter combined in the Pacific northwest. We don't have a well defined fall or winter since rain is the primary weather condition of those seasons. Near to the northern border of the USA., the number of daylight hours in a day seem to dwindle rapidly especially after the onset of Daylight Standard time. Wet and Dark are do not play well with moods and energy levels, in one's experience. It didn't hit one til about five years into one's living here. Depression and slumber were the responses. Long before now, anti depressants and rampant caffeine consumption were the main antidotes. Now the response to the dark is more nuanced. Here are some of one's favorite coping tools now:

Candlelight--a better antidote effect comes from a cat or a dog in the house. Barring that, a candle can keep me rooted at writing or at meditation.

Refreshing incense—Pine really gets me going in the late morning.

Drinking water—skip the caffeine and alcohol. Honestly, no alcohol at all. Water's the best way to start the day before dawn.

Writing and creating—doing these with some chill background music or an audiobook of a classic story is perfect for roughing out those cold evenings.

Getting out of the house—sometimes you just gotta do it. Plus, grooming up and wearing clean clothes is always a win.

Wear bright orange on the street—cars can be dangerous, and the best way to stay safe is to sport some bright orange or yellow so you’re visible in the dim morning light.