Senior Sunday: Brightening Your Days During Daylight Savings

When the clocks change and the days grow shorter, it’s common for many people especially seniors, to feel a shift in mood or energy. The darker evenings and cooler weather can make it harder to stay motivated or connected, but there are simple ways to bring light, warmth, and comfort back into the day.

Creating a cozy routine can make all the difference in keeping spirits lifted through the season.

One of the best ways to support your mood during daylight savings is to get as much natural light as possible. Try opening curtains early in the morning to let sunlight in, or spend a few minutes outside when the sun is brightest. Even a short walk or sitting by a sunny window can help your body stay in rhythm and boost energy levels. Sunlight helps regulate sleep patterns and increases serotonin, the hormone that supports a positive mood.

Staying active also plays an important role in emotional well-being. Gentle exercise like walking, stretching, or chair yoga helps release endorphins, which naturally improve mood. Movement can also reduce stiffness, increase circulation, and bring a sense of accomplishment. Pairing light activity with uplifting music can make it feel even more enjoyable.

A cozy, consistent routine can also bring comfort during this time of year. Setting regular times for waking up, meals, and bedtime helps the body adjust to the time change more smoothly. Having small rituals to look forward to like a morning cup of tea, reading in a favorite chair, or calling a loved one, adds structure and joy to the day.

Connection is another key to feeling good. As the evenings get darker, it’s easy to feel isolated, so finding ways to stay in touch with friends or family can help brighten the week. Whether it’s attending a community event, sharing a meal, or simply talking on the phone, social interaction brings warmth that no lamp can replace.

It’s also important to make your space feel inviting. Soft lighting, warm blankets, and relaxing scents can turn a home into a cozy retreat. Adding small touches, like candles, a favorite blanket, or gentle background music, can lift the mood and make the season feel more peaceful.

Finally, give yourself grace. It’s normal to feel a bit slower or less energetic during the time change. Listening to your body, resting when needed, and choosing activities that bring comfort can make the transition easier. Remember that even small moments of light—like laughter, gratitude, and connection, can make each day brighter.

By embracing gentle routines, staying connected, and finding ways to bring light into your day, you can create a season filled with comfort and joy. Daylight savings may bring longer nights, but with a little care, your days can still feel warm, peaceful, and full of life.