It's not just a great song from Fiddler on the Roof! This week, those of us in the northern hemisphere experienced the autumnal equinox. That means that from now until mid-March, there will be less light than darkness each day. In fact, from now until late Decmeber, each day will grow a bit darker.

So how does this affect your life?

It's time to start leaving an outside light on when you go to work (if you don't have motion detection light) and to set a timer on an inside light so that you don't come home to a dark house.

Get used to waking up in darkness. I always have trouble getting started when it's still dark when I wake up. It just takes practice until it becomes more familiar. I make myself get out of bed and do a chore each morning.

You may want to manipulate your morning and evening routines so that you can use the limited daylight as efficiently as possible. For example, do all of your indoor chores (laundry, ironing, unloading the dishwasher, vacuuming, etc.) at night. That way, you have the limited light before and after work and on the weekends to do outdoor chores and to get out and enjoy the fall weather.

As the light grows less, I find it harder to make time to run outside. I just don't have much daylight after work and I need to walk the dog. (Picking up dog poop by flashlight is not fun.) So, I will sometimes do a short run on my lunch hour (we have showers at work) or immediately after work so  can get home when there's still twilight. I save my longer runs for weekends.

Ultimately, there won't be enough light for even a short evening run or dog walk. That makes it a good idea to invest in a good flashlight or head lamp, a reflective vest, and other safety equipment. Also, map out a running route that is all sidewalks, run on a track, or in a gym. After all, you need to stay active to compensate for the holiday treats ahead!