Revolutionize Your Productivity: Mastering the Art of Adapting to the Shifting Tides of Day and Night

You’ve already heard of daylight saving time, but do you really know what it is? Each spring, we move forward an hour to help us make the most of daylight during the summer. Once fall arrives, we “back off” an hour as the days begin to get shorter.

“What’s the point of daylight saving time?” you may ask. Simply put, Daylight Saving Time is meant to give people an extra hour of sunlight, regardless of the season. And while many people are eager for more time in the sun, it can be hard to adjust to change.

In fact, many people struggle with their daily routine at the start of daylight saving time. But do not worry; there are adjustments you can make to help. From prioritizing sleep to sticking to a consistent schedule, here’s what you need to know:

1. Go to bed earlier

During daylight saving time, the clock may read 7:00 am, but it will feel like 6:00 am to your body. As you probably know, an hour of sleep can make a world of difference in your productivity.

To combat this change, consider starting your nightly routine at least an hour earlier. Whether your routine includes putting your kids to bed or taking a hot bath, move forward on your timeline. Doing so will help you go to bed earlier, so you can avoid feeling sleepy in the morning.

If possible, start relaxing into this new schedule a few days before daylight saving time so that your body has time to adjust. The sooner you start, the easier it will be in the long run.

2. Adjust your schedule

One of the benefits of daylight saving time is that the nights last longer. Instead of going dark around 5:00 PM, the sun usually shines until around 7:00 PM (depending on where you live). This means you have more time to do the things you enjoy after work. Whether it’s going for a walk outside or eating something with friends, you may feel like you have more hours in the day.

In addition to being able to do more, daylight saving time also brings health benefits with increased sunlight. If you didn’t know, sunlight can greatly improve your health and well-being. It can help kill bacteria, regulate your immune system, and even improve your mood.

In fact, according to research, not getting enough sunlight can cause lower serotonin levels, which can lead to depression. This explains why many people feel depressed during the fall/winter months. Less sun equals less serotonin.

3. Eat a nutritious breakfast

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Good is true. Your morning meal can have a serious impact on your day and your overall energy levels.

In fact, research has found that skipping breakfast on a regular basis can wreak havoc on your health. On one hand, you can affect your lipid metabolism, causing weight gain. Skipping breakfast can also lead to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more.

It’s important to fill your body with nutrition, especially as you adjust to daylight saving time. If you don’t, you may experience fatigue and sleepiness. To combat that, be sure to start your day with a healthy diet and balanced food. For example, eggs, yogurt and oatmeal. All three contain nutrients, like fiber and protein, to help keep you full longer and promote healthy gut bacteria.

4. Exercise

The last thing you probably want to do when you’re tired is exercise. It may be one of the best things you can do. Exercising offers many benefits that can help you adjust to the time change. For example, exercise increases energy and mood. If daylight saving time makes you feel sleepy and sluggish, a quick workout may be the cure.

Exercise also helps to sleep well. In fact, even moderate exercise can help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Plus, exercise can help combat daytime sleepiness so you don’t feel the need to nap in the afternoon.

It’s important to have on mind; You don’t need to complete high-intensity workouts to experience these benefits. Walking, swimming, and even simple movements like yoga are enough to help you adjust to the changing hours of the day.

5. Avoid naps

During daylight saving time, you may think it’s a good idea to take a few minutes off in the afternoon. After all, you are exhausted and you want to make sure you have enough energy to see you through the day. That’s understandable, but napping can do more harm than good.

For some, taking an afternoon nap can make it difficult to fall asleep later that night. Napping can also cause sleep inertia (feeling groggy or disoriented after a nap). While not everyone experiences this, some do, and it can make it difficult to adjust to the time change.

Instead of taking long afternoon naps, consider adjusting your bedtime to help regulate your hormones. Going to bed earlier can help fight fatigue without throwing off your circadian rhythm, leaving you feeling well-rested.

6. Be consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to adjusting your schedule. The more you stay true to your new routine, the easier it will be. Therefore, do your best to wake up and sleep simultaneously every morning, even on weekends.

We know that sleeping in from time to time can be tempting, but even the smallest change can ruin your progress. Not to mention, keeping to a consistent sleep schedule is a great way to improve your sleep while also helping you feel well-rested when you wake up.

Also, make sure you eat breakfast and dinner at the same time every day. You should also try to maintain a consistent training regimen. following a routine It may sound unpleasant, but it’s one of the best things you can do to make sure you’re adjusting to the time change. Routines can also help reduce stress so you can feel calmer and more relaxed.

7. Start preparing early

Raise your hand if you’ve ever forgotten to change your watch, only to wake up in a panic the morning of Daylight Savings Time. Is your hand up? You’re not alone. For many, daylight saving time seems to appear out of nowhere. And while you may think it’s best to jump right into the change, preparation is important.

So be sure to put all your clocks forward one hour the night before daylight saving time begins. Doing so will help you avoid any confusion in the morning. Instead, you’ll be set for the day, knowing that you now have an extra hour at night to do something fun.

In addition to preparing, make sure your family is ready, too. If you have young children, explain daylight saving time to them. Make sure they know what it means and the benefits it brings. Brainstorm ways they can make the most of this time, like spending more time with their friends after school. Or maybe they can join an after school sports club now that it stays light longer.

Daylight saving time can be an adjustment, but it doesn’t have to make your life more difficult. With a little preparation and the tips above, you can move forward stress-free. Just remember, daylight saving time is meant to help you, not hurt you. So eat a nutritious diet, sleep earlier, exercise, and enjoy extra sunlight.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Tahir Shaw; pixels; Thank you!

The charge Adjust your schedule to the changing times of the day first appeared in Calendar.