Coping with Daylight Saving Time

Hi Friends!

It’s that time of year again—Daylight Saving Time. Depending on where you live, the fall time change can be a real struggle. The days get shorter, and suddenly, we’re left with far fewer daylight hours. Sure, it’s great for energy conservation and the planet, but let’s be honest: it’s not so great for our mental health.

For me, the lack of sunlight feels like it drains my energy. I practically turn into my spirit animal—a bear. All I want to do is hibernate. Can anyone else relate? Most of us thrive in the sunshine. We’re more productive, happier, and full of energy when it’s bright outside. But when Daylight Saving Time hits, that extra energy seems to vanish, and the motivation to get things done becomes a distant memory.

This lack of energy is the last thing we need, especially if we’re trying to stay active and keep up with our health goals. So, how do we combat it? How do we keep ourselves from wanting to curl up under a blanket until spring?

I came across some advice that could help. Here are a few tips I found useful:

1. Be strict with your sleep schedule. It’s important to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Consistency helps your body adjust to the change, even if it’s tempting to sleep in when it’s dark outside.
2. Adjust gradually. If you know the time change throws you off, start making small adjustments to your sleep schedule a few days in advance. This way, your body has time to catch up.
3. Limit caffeine and sugar close to bedtime. I know, I know—this one is tough, especially if you’re feeling sluggish. But caffeine and sugar can disrupt your sleep, and that’s the last thing you need when trying to adjust to shorter days.
4. Consider using a sun lamp. I’ve heard from some friends that sun lamps can make a world of difference. They mimic natural light and can help boost your mood and energy levels. I haven’t tried one myself yet, but it’s something to consider if the darkness is really getting to you.

This year, I’m committing to being mindful of the time change. Instead of letting it completely throw me off, I’m going to be intentional about getting the most out of the daylight hours that I do have. Maybe that means going for a walk during lunch, soaking up the sunshine while it lasts, or starting my day earlier to take advantage of the light.

We’re in this together, and I’d love to hear how you cope with Daylight Saving Time. Do you have any rituals or habits that help keep your energy up during these darker days? Drop a comment and share your strategies!

Let’s do our best to stay motivated, even if we’re all fighting the urge to hibernate. We can make it through this time change—and come out stronger for it.

Here’s to brighter days ahead, friends! ☀️✨