Right when the clocks went back, Andy and I both noticed that we suddenly started to feel really tired and struggled to get out of bed. We’re morning people, so what was going on?
We were hit with ‘fall fatigue’ as the days got shorter and darker and the weather turned colder.
While this isn’t a career topic as such, I want to acknowledge something that probably affects many of you, too. These colder, darker days can impact your mood and if you’re normally an upbeat person who gets things done and has a busy schedule, you might feel surprised by your sudden lack of energy and motivation.
The problem? Work typically doesn’t slow down. In fact, now is commonly a very busy time in many businesses. Things are back ‘in full swing’ after the summer break and deals need to be closed before the end of the year.
This mismatch of your energy vs what your job demands from you can be draining.
So here is what’s helped us get out of bed in the morning and do the things we have on our plan for the day:
Routine
We both love routines and so does our daughter as well as our dog. So we aim to keep clear routines in each day. They reduce the mental work we have to do and can inject fresh energy when we need it the most.
Our routines include: Waking up at the same time each day (6.15am for Andy and Maggie, 7am for Annika and me), Maggie’s walks, Annika’s naps, eating lunch together, Annika’s bath time and bedtime, and our evenings together once she’s asleep.
Taking the guesswork out of your day by having set routines can help you get through the inevitable slumps in energy.
Daylight
As soon as I get up, I open the blinds to get in as much light as possible. On cloudy days I switch on the lights as well. Anything to get our bodies to realise it’s daytime :-). Annika and I look out the window to the garden or out onto the fields and see if we can spot some birds or big puddles.
I crave light during the day and getting sunshine into my face really helps to get over the tiredness.
Natural light is best. Whether you’re working from home or commuting to your office or workplace, try to get some daylight in your eyes and take a few extra moments to be still once the sun hits your face. It’s like a micro vacation for the soul :-).
Fresh air and exercise
Having a dog is a great way to ensure you get outside every day. Turns out, a baby helps with this too. Staying indoors really impacts my mood, so when it’s time for Annika’s morning nap at 9am, we head outside for a walk, so she can sleep in the fresh air and I can get my body moving.
Andy and I also make sure we exercise, which requires a bit of coordination of our schedules, but has been working really well. For me, this means 3 runs a week and I hope to run more with Annika in a running buggy soon.
When it comes to exercise, it doesn’t really matter how fast or far you go. As we’re hitting late autumn and early winter, just getting outside for a walk is a great way to boost your energy and mood for the rest of the day. If you’re working in an office and are pressed for time, make sure to head out for a 10min walk at lunchtime or to grab a coffee. It’s better than nothing and will help you think more clearly for the rest of the day.
Socialising
The colder, darker time of year makes me want to connect with people more. Sitting together for a cup of coffee, some cake, lighting candles, sitting on couches with lots of cushions and blankets. That’s my kind of fun. I do love solitude every now and then but when the days get shorter, life can quickly feel a bit lonely as people spend more time indoors and the streets and parks feel emptier.
If you’re like me and you need to surround yourself with friends and family more during this time of year, find a way to inject connectedness into your day. Can you walk to the coffee shop with a colleague and use this opportunity to get a change of scenery while also being among people? What about meeting friends for a walk in the park on the weekend? Or inviting them over for afternoon tea or a cosy dinner?
Parkrun
One great way to combine all of the above for me is Parkrun. It happens every week all across the world on Saturday at 9am local time. You get outside to inhale some fresh air, let the sunshine hit your face and run, jog or walk a 5km route together with like minded people.
While I haven’t been able to go every week (usually due to rough weather which isn’t great for a small baby), I do my best to join a local parkrun on Saturdays, either with Annika in the sling or the pram. There’s always someone to talk to, it gets me moving and afterwards I feel energised for the entire day.
If you’re feeling fatigued this fall, I hope you can use some of these suggestions and inject some fresh energy into your days.
I’ll leave you with a great quote from Chance Marshall, mental health professional:
“Don’t pretend winter is not happening and attempt to carry on living the same life as you lived in the summer”.
Have a great week! And look after yourself,
Eva