It is gray outside. Winter time. The chill and increased darkness can affect our moods and energy profoundly.
One tip to help regulate your circadian rhythm to have better sleep and a brighter mood is to get morning light. That is right, just when you want to have your morning coffee inside, warm and cozy, is the time to put on your fleece lined hat and your down jacket to take that coffee outside in the broad spectrum light for your health. By exposing your eyes to the natural light, your body is able to make melatonin in the evening which will help soothe you to sleep and help keep you asleep throughout the night so that you can wake up feeling refreshed. Even just 20 minutes before or right after breakfast will make a healthy noticeable difference.
Make it pleasurable. Sip your coffee or tea, read the paper or a good book or call a friend or family member. You may even want to take a walk or maybe just sit in solitude and enjoy the nature and sound of the birds. The important piece is that you are outside, reaping the benefits of daylight and its critical importance on your health.