Here in the northern hemisphere, it’s late autumn. The leaves have fallen from the trees and Mother Nature is ready for her long winter’s nap. In the U.S., daylight savings time means that it now gets dark at 4:30 in the afternoon. Yeesh. I don’t know about you, but that can make me want to curl up under my blankets with a book and call it a day.

If you have things to do and you can’t just hibernate every evening, then what do you do to uplift your energies? How do you keep going when the days are short and cold?

Here are some ideas from my own playbook. Please feel free to add yours in the comments section!

• Treat yourself and your family to some cut flowers. They brighten up the house and remind you of warmer days.
• Take your vitamins. I started my winter regime of vitamins C and D a couple of weeks ago. They boost my immune system and help avoid seasonal depression.
• Cancel events. No, really. This is a good time of year to get some extra rest, to stay home and relax. Remember, saying no to social gatherings can mean saying yes to your own most cherished projects. Speaking of which…
• Get creative. I don’t know about you, but when my external energies are low this time of year, sometimes my inner world expands. When you stay home, dive into a creative project that sounds like fun. Make some gifts for the upcoming holidays, write a book, or knit something cool.
• Make soup. It will warm the body and nurture the soul. Think of your favorite kind, and make a big pot of it. If you have extra, freeze some for later meals.
• Get moving. You may not be outside as much, unless you’re a fan of winter sports, but be sure to keep yourself in motion. My favorite thing to do in the winter is to put on some great music and dance around the kitchen. ElvenTiger often joins me and spins her practice poi or does some hula-hooping.
• Check in with your larger goals. Late fall and winter are the perfect times to delve deeply into your soul’s purpose. Assess your progress with your biggest goals. How’s it been going over the past year? Have things shifted and changed? Maybe your goals need to be updated. Now’s the time to clear the slate and set new intentions.
• Spruce up your nest. If you’re home more during this time, look around. Do you have some clutter to get rid of, things you no longer use? Is it time to change up your artwork? Beautify your space so you and your family can enjoy it during those long winter nights.
• Go easy on yourself. This time of year can be hard. Cut yourself some slack. When you’re feeling low, carve out some time for solitude or time to spend with a close friend, whatever energizes you. Be gentle.