Six Things to Help you Survive the Daylight Saving Blues

Let’s face it. Short days and long nights can cause the ‘daylight saving blues.’ When the sun rises after 7 a.m. and sets at 4 p.m., we long for the things that make us happy. So here are six things that may help you survive the daylight saving blues:

1. Sensuous Lighting

Okay, we’re not telling you to forego your standard overhead lighting. What we are telling you is that finding and layering-in the right ambient lighting for any space can completely change its overall vibe.

Adding a chic glass lamp with metallic accents and dramatic dark canvas shades can create a sensuous mood that remains elegant and sophisticated, yet comfortable. Likewise, adding a bold colored lamp to an otherwise neutral space can create a fun, hip vibe.

Perhaps a funky repurposed traffic light floor lamp or a vintage bamboo floor lamp to fill an empty space next to your favorite reading chair (see #2 below).

2. Cozy ‘Book Nook’

No matter the medium (book, e-reader, magazine, newspaper, even video streaming), who doesn’t love curling up with a good read and a warm drink? (Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, or mulled cider, anyone?) A cozy ‘book nook’ will have you asking, “What daylight saving blues?”

Turn any corner of a room into a cozy ‘oasis’ of sorts with comfortable but stylish seating, an interesting, warm throw, fun pillows (more on that in a bit), and a rustic side-table. Having a happy, cozy space to unwind and relax is a must when getting over the daylight saving slump (especially if you’re the type that repeatedly hits snooze and pull your covers over your head every morning). Adding some ambient lighting (see #1) along with a collection of books, photos, and accessories can help create an enticing space that can whisk your stress-filled thoughts away — and maybe even get you to finish that Netflix show you promised yourself you'd finish three months ago.

3. Toasty Fire

While you’re at it, maybe place that cozy book nook near a toasty-warm fireplace, aglow with burning embers. Nothing beats a warm fire on a cool evening (inside your home or even outside).

Adding decorative touches to your interior fireplace can easily change-it-up. Mixing select wrought iron and polished brass fireplace tools and accessorizing the hearth with fun accent pieces can bring a chic, eye-catching look whether the fireplace is in use or not. Outside, surround your fireplace (fire pit) with comfortable furniture lined with warm, multi-patterned wool blankets and pillows. Include a collection of vintage candlesticks of various heights and sizes on side tables to expand the warm glow of fire beyond the fireplace.

Whether inside or out, use this space to keep warm while eating your favorite guilty pleasure snacks, catching up on work, or hanging out with good friends (yeah, your dog counts too).

Here’s a good tip: To liven up your fire even more, throw-in some dried rosemary to spread a crisp, natural rosemary aroma throughout your space. (I promise your friends will die over this trick!)

4. Color Pops

Warm pops of color simply scream fall — and I guess, to some extent, daylight saving does as well. Adding pops of rusts, reds, oranges, and golds can brighten and enliven any space (artwork, pillows, accessories, rugs, and/or flowers). Throw blankets are also a must in any room, especially during the winter holiday season.

Instead of the expected accessories, swap out your afghan blanket with an animal hide throw (see image above).

Wow your guests with beautiful fall-colored centerpieces or stack a collection of colorful books to add dimension on a spectacular side or console table. You could even add a few amaryllis or poinsettia flowers to enhance that warm holiday feel.

5. Luxurious Pillows

We alluded to the importance of pillows earlier, but a fun assortment of luxurious pillows can easily chase away your daylight saving blues and are somewhat ubiquitous for creating a cozy, happy space. Who can deny soft, plush, delightful pillows their place of honor upon any chair, sofa, bench, settee, or bed? Cuddle. Rest. Decorate. Pillows are the ultimate multi-tasker in room design.

Silk pillows are a MUST (and not just because they make you feel like Blair Waldorf) by adding a sophisticated sheen and texture to a room’s decor. Added benefit: silk also helps your hair and skin glow — not too shabby, huh?

If you want to create a more cozy-chic look, a mix of fur, textured, marled, and velvet pillows are the way to go; not only do they add a cozy vibe, but they will add sophisticated dimension and texture to your space.

6. Fun Artwork

Artwork is a great way to put your personality on display in any room. Plus, the best part about artwork is that you can easily change it as often as your interests do!

Layering small art groupings on a mantle, sideboard, or shelf or creating an art wall, can instantly change the entire feel of your room. Choose different genres, textures, colors, and shapes. Artwork can completely reenergize your space without too much heavy lifting (or budget-busting).

News flash! Not all wall art needs a frame and conversly, not all frames need art. Adding unframed, decorative canvases and prints can add a cozy yet modern flair to any decor style or room setup. For something a little more bohemian eclectic, create a collection of empty frames on the wall.

That's it. Six things to help you survive the daylight saving blues. We admit there are many other ways to combat the daylight saving blues, but these are our current top-picks.

What are your favorite ways to survive the daylight saving blues? Let us know.

Keywords: Tricks, daylight saving, survive, blues, doldrums