The end of daylight saving time is correct across the corner (November 5, to be exact), and although adjusting to the one-hour change should not be difficult in theory—especially when it means you’ll be able to sleep an additional hour—everyone knows the sensation of being totally thrown off this time of 12 months.
That’s because even only a one-hour difference can wreak havoc in your body’s internal clock. All the processes your brain has synced to certain times (like your sleep schedule) get thrown out of rhythm, which ends up in that groggy, out-of-whack feeling most individuals experience each fall and spring.
Needless to say, disrupting your body’s internal routines doesn’t normally bode well on your wellness routines (see: feeling more like crawling into bed than heading to a spin class when it’s pitch dark at 6 p.m.). Luckily, there is something you’ll be able to do to organize your body so the change doesn’t feel as drastic.
“Daylight savings can negatively affect fitness and wellness routines, from reduced daylight to disrupted sleep patterns, but the important thing to reducing these effects is to be intentional, proactive, and ready,” says Nike Well Collective trainer Briana Thompson.
Here are Thompson’s three suggestions for daylight saving preparation, so you’ll be able to get through this transition easily without sacrificing your schedule.
1. Chase the sun
Fact: Being within the sun boosts your serotonin levels, which might provide you with more energy and make it easier to feel calm, positive, and focused—all of that are essential when you should keep on with a wellness routine. That’s why Thompson says, “Get outdoors and absorb as much natural light as possible.”
But when the sun starts setting earlier, it could be hard to get the identical amount of natural light you are used to in the course of the spring and summer. Thompson’s recommendations? “Work by a sunny window, take short walks during breaks, or exercise outside when you’ll be able to,” she says.
2. Keep sleep consistent
This one is less complicated said than done, but the advantages of keeping a sleep schedule—even with the hour change—are quite a few. Simply going to bed and waking up at the identical time can make it easier to get well quality rest, which ends up in higher overall health, and may lower your risk of heart disease.
“A consistent bedtime and calming bedtime routine can make it easier to adjust to the time change more easily,” Thompson says. So grab a lavender diffuser, turn your phone off at the very least thirty minutes before bed, and play some white noise—your body will thanks.
3. Plan exercise ahead
One of the most effective ways to make certain you are going to keep on with a workout routine is to dam the day out of your schedule before you exercise, almost prefer it’s a gathering. That way, you will feel less rushed and more committed when the time to work out rolls around.
What else are you able to do to make sure your exercise schedule is correctly adapted to sunlight saving? “Be proactive about adjusting your exercise routine,” Thompson says. “Modify your schedule and plans to suit the changing sunlight hours. Being prepared is vital to staying heading in the right direction.”
Now when your clock falls back, you will have a game plan to ease the transition on your body and routine—just do not forget to benefit from the extra hour of sleep.
