Once November hits in Scotland, that means- “the darkness is coming”. We still do the time change, but the darkness starts to set it around 4:30 and is totally dark by 5 these days. In my opinion, from now until end of January is some of the hardest times to live in Scotland. (I do realise that Scotland has it better off than other countries that are more north. I don’t liver there full time probably for this reason) Here are my top 5 hacks to survive the winter.

1. Buy a “Sad Lamp”

   For those of you who don’t know what this is, let me explain. This is a special device that you turn on it helps you to get some extra sun in your life. Why do you need this you may ask? When you leave in the morning before the sun is out, and come home after the sun has set, your opportunities to see the actual sun are very slim. So sometimes you have to create your own. Hence this very nice lamp that you can buy online to supplement your lack of natural sunlight.

   Now my first two years here, I thought this was unnecessary and a wast of money. So being the frugal student that I am, I went without. Once the winter passed, I looked back and realised I was a bit depressed. My second year I thought I could still get around the lamp idea. I was better because I was more aware about what I was eating and getting excercise, but still not exactly myself. So this year I broke down and bought a lamp. So far, I am loving it. I’ve only used it a few times, so I will keep you posted on the difference it makes or not. Just from others testimonials, they are worth it.

2. Take vitamin D

   Again, my frugal mind has gone without these the last two years. I started taking them daily since the sun started setting earlier and I think they are helping me. Now with vitamin D I think I remember someone saying you need dairy in order for your body uptake. So just taking a pill isn’t enough, you have to eat some yogurt or have a drink of milk for it to be of any use.

3. Soak up any sun you possibly can

   When the sun does come out and you have the chance to be outside, soak it up. Don’t let it go to waste!

4. Survive until the darkness recedes.

   Unfortunately this is a few months, but then the summer comes back and the days are really long. You are then on the opposite side trying to buy good blackout curtains so you can get some sleep. The summers are definitely preferable to the winters in my mind however. Follow these simple steps and you're golden.

Once the year turns dark again, just re-read and repeat the steps listed above. You will be golden every time. And if you find yourself struggling from time to time: ice cream and chocolate have never let me down. They will be there for you too if you just let them.