Changes in the weather as fall comes on don’t bother us as much as the shorter daylight hours. Less sunlight means our home is darker, drearier. For safety reasons, my husband needs good lighting, whether it is sunlight or artificial. A bright environment helps offset his balance issues so I am constantly turning on lights. He, of course, follows behind me and turns them off to conserve electricity. It’s a constant game we play this time of the year. I like to think I’m winning.

It’s not only about safety though, short dark days are depressing for me. I like being able to get outside and get some fresh air. One of my favorite stress breakers is taking a walk in our neighborhood. Not so easy to do when it’s pouring down rain or windy. And I definitely don’t want to go out after dark. I find myself getting frustrated and cranky, not a good mindset for a CarePartner. I grumped at my husband last night over a piece of cinnamon toast, not my finest moment. I try walking around within the house but it just doesn’t provide the same relief.

I purchased light bulbs for our kitchen that claim to be like daylight and they provide some brightness. We both have lamps on our desks that are labeled “Natural Spectrum”, not sure what that means but I use mine daily. And we keep playing the on/off game with the light switches. We’re about six weeks out from the winter solstice when days will start getting longer again. I can’t wait.