Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time – One Week Later
Hi Friends!
How’s everyone coping with the time change? Personally, it’s been a bit of a struggle. Working late while it’s getting dark so early has taken a toll on my energy levels. By the time I’m only halfway through my day, it already feels like it’s time to wind down.
I find myself reaching for an extra cup of coffee, even though I didn’t want to add too many calories (we’ve talked about that one before!). To help, I’ve been mixing in almond milk and just a bit of creamer for flavor. It’s not quite the same as my usual coffee treat, but it gets me through without adding too much to my daily intake.
Going to bed earlier has been a challenge too. Honestly, I’ve ended up going to bed later most nights, which makes adjusting even tougher. On the upside, I’ve started getting up earlier to tackle my errands, and it’s helping me feel more productive. Small wins, right?
If you’re feeling the impact of the time change like I am, here are a few tips that might help us both get through this transition a little easier:
- Get outside as early as possible. Natural light can work wonders on your energy and mood, so take advantage of the daylight hours. Even a quick morning walk can help signal to your body that it’s time to wake up.
- Keep up your water intake. Staying hydrated is so important for energy levels, and it can keep you from feeling sluggish. (Plus, we’ve worked too hard on this habit to let it slip now!)
- Adjust your caffeine intake. If you’re like me and reaching for more coffee to compensate, try to cut off caffeine intake by mid-afternoon. Switching to tea in the evening can be a great alternative—it gives a little boost without as much caffeine.
- Stick to your sleep schedule. I know this one is tough, but even small adjustments can help. Try to go to bed 15 minutes earlier each night until you reach your ideal bedtime. Consistency is key for adjusting to the time change.
- Limit screen time before bed. The blue light from our phones and laptops can make it harder to fall asleep, especially when we’re already out of sync. If you can, swap out some screen time for a book, a podcast, or even some journaling before bed.
- Use light to your advantage. If you’re struggling with low energy in the evenings, consider using a daylight or “happy” lamp in the morning or late afternoon to give yourself a mood boost. It can mimic the sunlight we’re missing and help balance your energy.
I’m giving myself another week to adjust, and I’m staying committed to making these changes work. Remember to keep drinking your water and stay strong. The transition isn’t easy, but we’re in this together, and we’ll keep pushing through.
Let’s give it another week, friends—here’s to finding our energy and staying on track! 🌞💪