Fall mornings are getting darker, and early risers notice first
The sun is coming up later each week now, and people who start their day at 4 a.m. feel the change before anyone else.
If you are up at four, you already know it is dark out there. This time of year, it stays dark for a while longer each week. Summer mornings that used to brighten early are giving way to fall mornings that take their time.
Early risers notice this change first. Bakers, delivery drivers, parents with long commutes and people who simply like a quiet start to the day are all getting ready in the dark more often now.
I have found that the darkness itself is not the hard part. The hard part is that my body expects light and does not get it. So I have started turning on a warm lamp as soon as I get up instead of stumbling around with only my phone screen.
I also try to step outside for a minute once the sky starts to lighten. Even a few breaths of morning air on the porch helps me feel like the day has actually begun.
If you are up early this week, turn on one warm light right away, and when the sun finally comes up, go stand in it for a moment.