PLEASE share your secrets for coping with dark WFH days!

62 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 8,2021 at 4:28PM UTC

   I'm with you. I don't know if you have this flexibility, but I start work a little earlier, so that I'm done earlier and can get the sunshine in. I also got a sun light which I'll use when it gets to the point where it's dark when work starts as well.

2. AnonymousNovember 8,2021 at 5:20PM UTC

   I make sure to take a hike outside during my afternoons so I can get the Vitamin D from the sunshine (helps with sleep and depression) and the fresh air. I also break up my days into blocks if time so I can take my tea outside on the patio and do some errands while it's still light outside.

   Further, I keep my home office lit up with aroma therapy candles, and nice background music in the afternoon as the light dims through the window. I like that lazy feel at the end of the day. I usually put dinner on around 4pm so by the time I log off the house smells yummy.

3. AnonymousNovember 8,2021 at 6:25PM UTC

   I make sure I get outside for a few steps every hour (I also have a Fit Bit that reminds me to do so). Even if it is too cold outside, I climb the stairs here at home for a bit or walk around the house. We have a recumbent bike close to my work area (I don't have an office) that I will use during meetings in which I don't need to actively participate. We have quarterly company updates that showcase marketing wins, business status, etc. I find that I can actively listen while still getting some movement. These help me, good luck!

4. AnonymousNovember 8,2021 at 7:11PM UTC

   Start work earlier in the day if you can; SAD lamp to fight off the impact of no vitamin D; really good task lamps that light up the space and help it seem like daylight; Walk around outside for 15 minutes a day, no matter the weather.

5. AnonymousNovember 8,2021 at 7:32PM UTC

   I definitely have SAD, but I've found that setting an extreme fitness goal for spring makes the winter seem shorter. I'm racing against time to reach peak fitness so I can make the most of my vacation time. Time just flies by and the adrenaline from the workouts is a definite mood changer. But that's just me.

6. NataliaNovember 8,2021 at 9:26PM UTC

   Go for a walk in your neighborhood. I did this yesterday evening & it was lovely. As I saw so many people out & so many businesses opened on a Sunday at 6pm. It made me realize how much of the day I still had left. I'm going to do it again today, might even pop into a book store.

7. AnonymousNovember 8,2021 at 10:21PM UTC

   I have done two things. First, I added a variety of different lights in my office space (it's lowest level of our house, and darker anyway) to include a couple lamps, salt lamp on my desk and even Christmas lights, because, why not? No one can see them during video calls and they make me happy. I also have a treadmill and added a cheap shelf board to it (secured by bungee straps) that I can take my laptop and walk while I work. I only do that when I am not in meetings. I actually like it because it makes time pass a little faster.

8. AnonymousNovember 9,2021 at 3:55AM UTC

   I spend some time outside during the day while I am on break. I feed the birds and walk around. I have even taken my laptop outside before.

9. Jackie GhedineNovember 9,2021 at 11:51AM UTC

   Position your workspace in front of a window, keep it open and let the fresh air pour over you during the day.

   Pick one or two days a week where you shift your schedule, start earlier and log off by 4, then head outdoors and go for a walk.

   Use the darkness as you friend. Let it signify it's time to turn off the computer. Grab a great book and take 30 minutes to 'commute' home and transition. While long commutes are tough, that transition time is priceless. Build it into your schedule.

10. AnonymousNovember 9,2021 at 3:24PM UTC

    Can you just start work and and end earlier? Or move around the day so you can end before it gets dark? I know what you mean about darkness but I think you can try to achieve a cozy WFH set-up with nice lighting and that "hygge" (coziness and contentment at home which is a Danish concept I'm butchering)....which can make you feel better about darkness. The Nordic people really know this can be a huge issue!

11. AnonymousNovember 9,2021 at 7:29PM UTC

    I either take an hour break to be outside and go for a walk, or do it as SOON as I end my day. I tend to work 8-4 so I at least have ample sunlight

12. Lori SchmitzNovember 9,2021 at 10:18PM UTC

    We just slipped into the dark at 3:30pm mode as well. I work from home and that makes the shift super challenging as I just feel like its time to be done well before it is!
    If you can; buy yourself a lamp for your desk... I use two monitors and I have one on my side that I run a light program on so it keeps me feeling illuminated if I am not using the 2nd screen. A mid afternoon coffee or walk can also be helpful!

13. Erin MNovember 10,2021 at 1:11PM UTC

    I found that putting twinkle lights or holiday lights in the window of my living room “office” helped a tonne with the dark. I’d set the timer to turn on at 10am and they’d bring happiness until they turned off at 9pm. Helped with daylight savings time and bleak winter days

14. AnonymousNovember 10,2021 at 1:12PM UTC

    Agree! Full-spectrum lamps are great. You may also want to take Vitamin D supplements (speak with your health provider first, of course). I also make sure I take a walk early in the day so I get some sunshine. Hang in there! The light is proverbially at the end of the tunnel. Sending warm sunshine your way :)

15. Rebecca EvanoffNovember 10,2021 at 1:31PM UTC

    End your day at a coffee/internet cafe - gives you a change in scenery, and a way to be around people

16. Nancy BrennerNovember 10,2021 at 1:33PM UTC

    Jumpstart your day and get a boost by going for a walk before your start your work day.

17. Violet Cassidy-Maroke (She/her)November 10,2021 at 1:33PM UTC

    Vitamin D is essential for me. Keeping good sleep patterns. Waking up early to do yoga or go for a walk. Or getting out at lunch. Or going out at dark is still a walk - though in the winter I'm hesitant b/c of ice. I also set up my road bike on a trainer for the winter. It helps me get active on icy mornings and reminds me of trail riding. I keep the curtains open and listen to my fave music or a podcast. It can also be moved to watch TV while you ride if you want. It doesn't take up much room and is much easier to move than a stationary bike.

18. AnonymousNovember 10,2021 at 1:36PM UTC

    There are also still quite a few online exercise programs, for those who don't bike. I used to do OrangeTheory but haven't gone back since they reopened - I still do their home video workouts. I also do yoga via video.
    But the biggest one is to get outside while it is light. If that means taking my lunch sitting on my deck, so be it.
    Also, just give yourself a change of scenery. Sometimes it isn't the dark, it's the fact that we don't leave one room for 8 hours at a time.

19. Belen PerezNovember 10,2021 at 1:40PM UTC

    Taking a few short 15 minute walks, working from my porch if the weather is nice, working near a sunny window, taking a couple of minutes to step outside to my backyard to stretch and ground myself. I don't log in first thing, instead I stream news or podcasts on my alexa while making coffee and then have my coffee while reading something I enjoy. Getting out of the house for lunch also helps.

20. Joycelyn M. SiameNovember 10,2021 at 1:40PM UTC

    1. I always take a 2-5 minute break every hour... go to the bathroom, stretch, move or stand outside.
    2. If you are working from home, work by a window.
    3. Get a Daylight Therapy Lamp (please trust me on this!).

    I literally have to do this every day because I suffer from Season Affect Disorder, and the above tips help me greatly.

21. Karen BurkeNovember 10,2021 at 1:40PM UTC

    How structured is your work day? For example, can you take a little longer lunch so that you can enjoy some of the daylight? Can you start your day earlier or later to take care of the daylight then? It might not be ideal, but it could be helpful!

22. Gabbie EspinalNovember 10,2021 at 1:41PM UTC

    Mid-day, take a little walk around the block if you're able to, vitamin D as some have mentioned, and when taking breaks make sure you get some fresh air.

23. Temima Goldberg ShulmanNovember 10,2021 at 1:45PM UTC

    You are not alone! It is so hard to break away from the computer, but what I do is I set an intention in the morning that I will take a 30 minute walk and then, most days, I keep it. It’s accountability to my own well being. Those 30 minutes make a huge difference. When the weather is rainy, I do my best to do a 30 or 15 minute walking program that is led on line. It’s a real positive energy booster.

24. JenniferNovember 10,2021 at 1:47PM UTC

    I purchased a "happy" light and use it very often in the winter. I also open a lot of the shades at home, to try and get as much light as I can in the house.

25. Catherine KuubetesuriNovember 10,2021 at 1:58PM UTC

    Agreed! Any source of light is important.

26. AnonymousNovember 10,2021 at 6:16PM UTC

    Hello - I am happy that you mentioned using a "Happy" light. I am assuming you're referring to using light therapy. I recently checked out light therapy lamps on Amazon. I am thinking of purchasing one as a XMAS gift for a relative who has a tendency to get depressed around the holidays and through the rest of the winter. Do they really work? The Verilux brand with 10,000 lumens seems to come highly recommended. Thanks!

27. Lauren EppsNovember 10,2021 at 1:50PM UTC

    I get in as much daylight as possible. I'm blessed with a huge, south facing window in my work area, so I have all the sun, but when it gets dark around 4 PM here, it's tough to power through. I tend to get out for a walk around lunch and schedule other times during the day to get outside and at bare minimum, spend 5 minutes in the sun and fresh air. It helps to clear the mind and get a little sun in your day. I also have lamps and fun LED lights on my desk to keep the gloom at bay.

    I force myself to get out and do things after work - even if it's just going to the grocery store or taking a leisurely stroll around Target. Leaving home after I finish work helps to really put "something else" in my day so that I don't feel like I wake, work, sleep - rinse and repeat.

28. kay JackNovember 10,2021 at 1:56PM UTC

    Get up in the am or midday and walk outside or run and errand. It always rejuvenates me. You can't change daylight savings , so change your routine.

29. Renya KremplNovember 10,2021 at 2:30PM UTC

    Like others have mentioned, I make sure I take my lunch break and go outside for an extended walk. Both daylight and movement help me to energize and de-stress .

30. AnonymousNovember 10,2021 at 2:36PM UTC

    Either get outside on my lunch or go on a brief walk before end of day when it's still light out and finish up work after. Sometimes I'll light a candle in the evenings, even in the office, to give the darkness a more...fun and aromatic presence.

31. DeniseNovember 10,2021 at 2:49PM UTC

    I walk my dog every morning before work, so the change was good for me. I'd been walking in the dark for 2-3 weeks now. It now gets light about 6:30, which gives me about an hour of daylight before work. Bonus of a morning walk is you get to see the sunrise!

32. Kiki SperrNovember 10,2021 at 2:51PM UTC

    Gosh, I know exactly what you mean! I've enjoyed having plants in my space and doting on them (and myself) with cheap grow-lights. Many plant cuttings can be propagated (making baby-plants). It's very pleasant watching my plant-babies grow.
    I also enjoy dance-exercise YouTubers like the Fitness Marshall or EMKFit. Seems counterintuitive, but getting some wiggles out increases my energy level.

33. FlossyNovember 10,2021 at 2:54PM UTC

    My desk faces a window. That is my best defense. I also take a walk early before work with the dog and we are out at sunrise.

    You may want to look at taking vitamin D. Obviously, that is a medical choice for you based on your health and other medications.

    A healthy diet rich in fruits and veggies - less processed food also will prevent sugar crashing after lunch right before it starts to get dark.

    Stress: the worst part about short days is the heighten stress of the holiday season. Be fierce about selecting the activities and what you take on between now and the end of the year. If a holiday activity or tradition is more obligation than enjoyment - ditch it. (Shelf Elf for example - maybe this year he got Covid and is in quarantine) .

34. Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CPNovember 10,2021 at 3:01PM UTC

    I feel you on this. What has helped me:
    - Waking up earlier and going for a walk in the early AM. It may still be dark, but you know the sun is out there!
    - Break up the workday. Either take breaks or lunch outside and/or meet up with someone (from a distance if you are still practicing that).
    - Change up your work environment by working outside (like if you have a patio) or in a nearby coffeeshop.
    - (Have not personally tried this but) I've heard amazing things about those special lamps that emit natural sunlight.
    - (I love music) so I would pump up my favorite upbeat song and celebrate that I'm done for the day!

    Overall, everyone has a different strategy and it may vary day to day. Hopefully you'll find something that will work for you!

35. AnonymousNovember 10,2021 at 3:16PM UTC

    Look into red light therapy or shirt tanning booth sessions. If you aren’t getting enough sunlight, they can help to fight seasonal depression feelings.

36. AnonymousNovember 10,2021 at 3:29PM UTC

    I have good light in my apartment, but my living room has the least amount. I refuse to work in my bedroom, so I light up my space as much as possible. I also make sure to take an afternoon break and take a little walk or go to the gym, etc. - just to get outside to move.

    Our offices have reopened, so sometimes I'll work at home in the morning, and then move to the office for the afternoon, just to have some variety.

37. JudiNovember 10,2021 at 3:30PM UTC

    I live in Seattle so I'm well aware of the dark days you mention. It get pitch black at 3PMas we get further into the winter. Something that helps me is starting the day off with turning my diffuser on with Eucalyptus and Rosemary essential oils. It sits right on my desk top and really helps me stay centered all day. Another thing is to get outside in the morning for at least a few minutes. There something about the light even if its a dark day that helps build serotonin.

38. AnonymousNovember 10,2021 at 4:32PM UTC

    I am in the Seattle area, too. I have a bright light I use at my desk, which has a full spectrum light bulb. This helps trick my brain into thinking it is getting sun.
    Agree it is important to get outside. Take a quick walk around the block. Anything just to change up your environment, even if temporary. This time of year IS very tough.

39. Lucinda LechleiderNovember 10,2021 at 3:44PM UTC

    Working from home as a regional sales manager, I’d have a regular Wednesday 10am meeting with my boss and other managers in my same role in other markets. Most of us took that meeting outside and walked as we talked. It lowered everyone’s stress level, bonded us as a team and was very productive -

40. Cheryl WilburgNovember 10,2021 at 3:54PM UTC

    For me, having something to do after work besides just going home, or changing into lounge wear if I'm working from home, helps tremendously. A social gathering, or outing, or something to do outside of home and office helps make the early evening hours less overwhelming.

41. AnonymousNovember 10,2021 at 4:29PM UTC

    My commute is long so even during Daylight Saving Time, I leave and come home in the dark. I just accept it and am grateful I still have a job to cover my bills.

42. MichelleNovember 10,2021 at 4:45PM UTC

    I actually love this time of year. The bed feels a little more snuggly, Fall is in the air and pumpkin spice is everywhere. A few things I do to enjoy this time: Start actively planning for the holidays, where to go, plays or performances to see, planning cookie exchange parties, who to visit, what charities to give to, etc....
    In these first says of the time change, I also like to go to a local sauna after work and meditate...even just for 20-30 minutes is so refreshing. Yoga class is great too. Another favorite is impromptu bonfires in the driveway and inviting neighbors over for marshmallow roasting after dinner.

43. Jene StewartNovember 10,2021 at 4:47PM UTC

    -Taking breaks throughout the day to soak up the sun can be super helpful. Even if you have to extend your work day to work in an hour break when the sun is out, it will be dark either way when you shut down for the night.
    -If you are able to adjust your schedule to start earlier (allowing for afterwork daylight) or later in the day (to enjoy the morning outside) might be feasible.
    -what did you do before WFH set in to cope with daylight savings? The office is just a location, so if work hours are the same, getting back into 'old habits' may be the lift you need to push through. Hit the gym, volunteer, join a networking group, happy hour with friends...whatever you did in previous years to get over the time change hump can still provide solace.
    -if it was your commute that helped you decompress, you can still do that - hop in the car or get on the bus/train, crank the music/podcast/audible and go for a drive/ride.
    -start a new habit. Think of something that you absolutely enjoy doing, and make time right after work to do that thing - sort of like a 'reward' for the end of the day

44. EMILY KIKUE FRANKNovember 10,2021 at 5:07PM UTC

    Schedule your lunch on your calendar, and use part of it to go outside. I have dogs so I walk them over my lunch so we all get a little extra exercise and I get some sun, but you don't need dogs to go on a walk! I also make something nice for lunch when I'm home-- no sad sandwich but a nice hot meal, usually leftovers from dinner but I reheat things in the oven instead of making everything limp and soggy in the microwave. I also have my desk set up near windows so I get a nice glimpse of the autumnal beauty when I get up to go to the bathroom or get another cup of coffee.

45. TracieNovember 10,2021 at 5:29PM UTC

    I am not a morning person by any means, but when daylight savings hits, I always make sure to get outside during the day for at least 30 minutes. I work from home now, but this something I did when I was still in corporate too. I'd eat lunch outside or take a walk around my building. It hits different when the weather is cooler and that sun is shining in your face. I live in the South, but we do get some days of nasty, bitter cold (well for us at least) so I have a Beach Jams playlist of music I play on those days! It helps put me in the summer feels as if I was on the beach drinking a Pina Colada!

46. Bosslady287732November 10,2021 at 5:45PM UTC

    My home office is a room full of windows so that helps. I start my day a little early and walk the dog at lunch. All of it helps a little bit.

47. Karen GongawareNovember 10,2021 at 6:56PM UTC

    I have no idea what WFH means. Abbreviations make me crazy as I rarely know their meaning. Assuming it has something to do with daylight savings time. I love it. Doesn't matter to me whether I go to work in the softness of dawn or come home with the stars. Look for the beauty.

48. AnonymousNovember 10,2021 at 7:07PM UTC

    WFH = work from home

49. AnonymousNovember 10,2021 at 7:07PM UTC

    WFH = Work From Home

50. AnonymousNovember 10,2021 at 7:01PM UTC

    would you consider fostering a pet if you don't hae one (or can sequester it)? There's a great need for fosters pretty much everywhere. My pet of choice is a litter of kittens. You can even take in a mama with newborns. The work is almost entirely done by her. For older kittens, it's not much work and a lot of fun. The rescue will give you a lot of support so you're not on your own. A thought.

51. Aparna SundarNovember 10,2021 at 11:56PM UTC

    Start the day early!

52. AnonymousNovember 11,2021 at 12:39AM UTC

    Ewoxercise daily is the most important way to avoid seasonal affective symptoms. I ride my bike (stationery) or do treadmill 30 minutes/day. I also focus on home being cozy, "HYgge" (look it up). Take care! (I also read alot of garden journals in Feb and plan my garden out)

53. AnonymousNovember 11,2021 at 12:40AM UTC

    sorry for typos! "Exercise" is the first word above.

54. Cynthia Armistead NewmanNovember 11,2021 at 2:00AM UTC

    Get a lightbox! I've been using one for years, and it makes a HUGE difference in my depression levels each fall/winter.

55. Stephanie BernardoNovember 11,2021 at 4:28AM UTC

    I usually just turn up my desk lights and soak up what little sun there is throughout the day! I might get a candle soon.

56. John PieperNovember 11,2021 at 11:49AM UTC

    I find I like it this way. This is “normal time”. The sun comes up an hour earlier and it’s safer for kids catching school buses or walking to school. If you “need” one more hour of light to perform your job duties get a lamp for your desk that has the wavelengths of sunlight. We haven’t needed to spring forward a hour to daylight savings time in decades. We aren’t farmers for whom it was started. We need to end it. We’ll adjust to staying on normal time very well. Arizona doesn’t even do the spring forward and they survive. But a broad spectrum lamp on your desk may give you that extra hour of sunlight to perform. People have been pushing to stay on “normal time” permanently for a very long time. Hopefully they’ll finally end the silly “Spring forward an hour” nonsense. Until then, I wish you the best and I’m certain you can find it in you to push through the lost hour. It comes at a time when days are shorter anyway so in the end, the loss of an hour doesn’t make much difference. Maybe do what I do. Start work an hour earlier with the extra sunlight in the morning. Hang in there. You will survive. I promise. ❤️

57. AnonymousNovember 12,2021 at 4:00AM UTC

    Right there with you. Rather stick with standard time than be ssf sleepy and irritable for 2 weeks each spring and fall. The abrupt change is HORRIBLE!

58. surfnwriteNovember 12,2021 at 3:31AM UTC

    I just go with it and embrace it. Use some warm lighting, have some tea, curl up with a good book, etc.

59. CautiousNovember 12,2021 at 7:36PM UTC

    Oh, wow, I don’t have any answers but thank you so much for posing this question! I feel the exact same way and it is awful.

60. Damaris PizarroNovember 13,2021 at 4:19AM UTC

    Yes, I’ve had several days like this. Ive usually ended up crying while I worked, not as much now. I started listening to affirmations or Solfeggio frequencies on Spotify or YouTube. Also, Edward Cayce is amazing to listen to.

61. Lomaxruiter@yahoo.comNovember 13,2021 at 4:44AM UTC

    I find that if I have something to look forward to, the gloomy days aren’t as difficult. Last year, I caved to a pandemic puppy. He certainly made the winter days pass quickly and he got me outside more during the daylight.

62. Chynise CunninghamNovember 14,2021 at 12:24AM UTC

    I set a hard stop for me to finish work. At home it’s so easy to be comfortable and work 10 hours. I set my alarm and block my calendar. When the day is over, it’s over!! I keep high energy music on. Especially something that I’m not familiar with. I love Afro Beat playlists on Apple Music. It’s not something I used to listen to, someone suggested it to me. I also have learned to not incorporate my home or personal things into my work days. No laundry! I keep the workday a workday. When I’m in office, I usually take a stroll outside for a few minutes. I do the same at home; or at least step on the porch. I also have made an effort to call friends and family compared to texting or nothing at all. The conversation about anything or sometimes nothing is refreshing to me. For me, keeping the consistency or normalcy of in office routines (break time) and adding some old school routines (phone calls on personal time) helps me stay out of the WFH gloom. I also get dressed (sometimes over the top!) everyday. It’s funny to me to look down and see that cocktail dress. And I’m the life of the zoom party with sparkly earrings on without saying a word. It brightens my day!