Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 7, and if you are
already dreading the adjustment, you are not alone. The
physical and mental effects are real, and many people
undergo mood shifts, fatigue and stress as their bodies
adjust.
To “fall back” this fall stress-free, try these techniques:
• Adjust slowly: Rather than wait until DST ends to shift
your sleep schedule by a full hour all at once, start to
adjust incrementally in 10-to-15-minute segments over the
course of four to six days. This method will help you sleep
more soundly and be less tired. If possible, adjust your
meal times accordingly as well. For an easy transition, get
the entire household in on the evolving schedule,
including children and pets.
• Get a great timepiece: The simplicity of having your
watch adjust automatically to the correct time will help
ensure you are awake and where you need to be in the
days ahead. To that end, consider updating your timepiece
to one that’s Bluetooth-enabled. Those in the Edifice
lineup are especially useful for travelers and those who
work with people around the world, as they analyze
current time and positioning data and reset automatically
four times a day to always display the accurate time in
your location, as well as locations globally.
• Seek sunlight: With the sun setting at an earlier hour,
you may find yourself in the dark as your work day ends.
Sunlight is a source of vitamin D, which is vital to your
health. It also boosts happiness hormones to help beat
depression and stave off Seasonal Affective Disorder. If
possible, take a walk midday or sit near a window at lunch
to ensure you get a daily dose of sun exposure each day.
• Create a routine: You can avoid the pitfalls of fatigue
that many experience when DST ends by carving out an
evening routine that prepares your body for bedtime.
Whether it’s a half an hour of screen-free reading,
meditation, journaling or enjoying a cup of herbal,
caffeine-free tea, such rituals can help signal the body and
mind that it’s time for sleep. Likewise, a morning routine
– such as performing a set of dynamic stretches, jogging
or eating a protein-rich breakfast, can energize you for the
day ahead.
While time changes are never fun, you can help ease the
transition with new habits and innovative tech tools.
