This Sunday marks Daylight Saving Time where we “Spring Forward” an hour. Adjusting to the time change can be challenging mentally and physically. Here are some ideas on how to take advantage of daylight savings this year.
- Get to Bed Earlier the day before Daylight Saving: Help your body adjust by going to bed a little earlier the night before. This will make the transition more comfortable and will help maintain your sleep schedule. It is suggested to best prepare ahead of time by going to bed 30 minutes earlier two nights before and an hour earlier the night before the change. If this is not possible, then try going to bed a little earlier the night before and you will notice the difference the next day.
- Less Screen Time at Night: We should try to limit screen time at night anyways, but especially the night before Daylight Saving. It has been proven that the light emitted from screens makes it difficult to fall asleep. Put down your phone an hour before bed and do something that will help to achieve a good night’s rest instead. For example, listen to music and journal or pick up a book.
- Change Clocks the Night Before: Most devices that we own automatically change with Daylight Saving, but there are some clocks that need to be changed manually. Make sure to change all the clocks in your house and your car the night before. This helps make an easier transition the next day and ensures that there is no confusion on Monday.
- Enjoy the Longer Days: Although moving forward an hour means that we get an hour less of sleep, there are many benefits from Daylight Saving as well. One of these is the fact that there is more sunlight to enjoy after work. This means you can get outside and engage in more outdoor activities like sports and hobbies.
- Turn Off the Lights: Another benefit of the time change is that there is more natural light available during the day. Turn off the lights and open the shades. Natural light is better for your eyes and will decrease eye strain which can lead to headaches. It also saves energy and money in the long-run.
It can be difficult to adjust to daylight saving, especially when we lose an hour as we spring forward every March. It is important to prepare ahead of time for this change and also look at the advantages of it. We hope these ideas will help you to embrace daylight saving instead of dreading it.
By: Clara Jude
