By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern
One of the tell-tale signs of the changing of the seasons from summer to fall is the days beginning to get shorter. During the summer, it feels like the days are endless, letting you get so much done while the sun is still shining.
But during the fall and winter months, the days seem so short that it feels like you can never quite get all your tasks done in a day. Here are 4 ideas on how to make the most out of fall and winter days. 
Keep your usual wake-up and bedtime schedule.
Since the sun doesn’t rise as early and it sets much sooner than it does in the summer, the amount of “daytime” is significantly reduced. But there are still 24 hours in a day, the only difference is how long the sun is up. So, by keeping your usual waking up and going to bed times, you’ll still have just as much time to get tasks done, but the only difference is that some of those hours will be in the dark.
Strategically schedule tasks.
Since there are fewer hours of the day with sunlight, rearrange your schedule to where tasks that can be done in the house like dusting, vacuuming, or even computer work are during the darker hours of the morning or darker hours of the evening. This leaves you with the middle of the day to do those chores that are best done with sunlight, like yard work or running errands in town.
Don’t neglect exercise
Although it might be tempting to just take it easy, curl up with a blanket and cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the coziness of the season, its important to not give up on exercising. Going on a brisk walk in the morning or afternoon is a good way to keep your blood pumping and your energy levels high. Staying active will keep you motivated to push through and get all of your daily tasks done. It is also a good way to fight off that little bit of seasonal depression that we often get.
Meal prep
Getting meals made ahead of time or cooking in bulk to have leftovers is a great way to reduce the amount of time you spend in the kitchen every day. This is also where a roaster pan, crock pot, or pressure cooker might come in handy! Another thing to consider is choosing meals that are quick and easy, and that also reheat well. Ideas for meals that meet those criteria include soups and stews, casseroles, and pastas. Check out these yummy soup recipes from Fill Your Plate!
Hopefully these ideas help to make it easier to enjoy those lovely fall and winter days, and still stay on top of all our responsibilities!