Once the clocks fall back with the end of Daylight Saving Time, it’s easy to get enveloped in the darkness of the cold season ahead. Evenings in the garden and long days outdoors are easily traded in for sweatpants, cozy socks and indoor activities. However, one of the best ways to get adjusted to the time change is to align yourself with the rhythm of nature. While shorter, colder days may require a little extra motivation to get outdoors, you’ll likely thank yourself for putting in the effort. Here are some ideas to get you through the time-change slump.
Hike With Friends
One of the best ways to make sure you get your dose of vitamin N is to find an accountability partner who will encourage you to get outside for some fresh air and exercise. One great place to find a group of outdoorsy friends is at WWLT’s West 6th Farm Hiking Club. The group meets every Friday at 4 p.m. through the winter at West Sixth Farm for an informal hour-long hike around the farm’s trails.
Dedicate Mornings to Land Management
Whether you decide to work on your own land or join WWLT for a Volunteer Day on the first Thursday of the month, having land management projects in the hopper that you can tackle during the early daylight hours, such as pulling invasive plants or building bat boxes, will help motivate you to get out in the cold and set the tone for the rest of the day.
Embrace the Dark
With nighttime setting in a bit earlier, now’s the perfect time to take a night hike or simply gather around a fire with friends. While you’re out, take the opportunity to do some star gazing or listen for the sounds of nocturnal creatures.
Do a Scavenger Hunt
Having a simple activity to focus on, such as a nature scavenger hunt, can keep your mind off of the cold this time of year and attune your eyes to your seasonal surroundings.. If you’re an experienced or aspiring birder, download the eBird Field Checklist for Vaughn Branch and head over to to WWLT’s Vaughn Branch Nature Preserve to see how many of the birds you can spot.
