It is that time of the year where we turn the clocks back.
The dreaded end to daylight savings. This means that it gets dark at 4pm and let me tell you, it is miserable. There is nothing worse than having 2 more hours in the office in complete darkness. If you are anything like me, you get severely affected by the time change and can’t seem to get out of it. Last year I implemented some changes immediately and I really think they helped me especially during the work week.
Don’t let this be an opportunity to get extra sleep. Even though we technically gain an hour try to stick to your normal sleep routine. This means going to bed an hour later than what you usually would and wake up the same time you normally would or even a little earlier. As crazy as it sounds the extra hour can really throw you off. Also, don’t go to sleep much earlier on Sunday even though it feels like it has been darker for much longer than usual. Stick to your normal schedule.
Keep your Sunday routine as normal as possible. It is going to get darker an hour earlier so make sure you get everything done before it gets dark so you have time to get home and get ready for the week ahead. Find some time to wind down before bed, that can include a shower, bath, reading, or whatever you like to do to relax. What I like to do is clean my sheets so I can go into bed with a crisp pair of freshly washed sheets.
Avoid eating or drinking anything with caffeine after 12pm on Sunday. Caffeine could affect your sleep schedule and that is something you definitely don’t want to do before Monday. Even if caffeine doesn’t really bother you, I would still highly encourage you to not drink it on Sunday after your first cup of coffee.
Start Monday morning with a workout. Your body is going to be confused with the time change and the lack of light but the morning will be a bit brighter than usual so use that to your advantage and hit the gym before work. It will be a good way to kickstart a new and healthy routine.
Try to stay positive on Monday when you are back at work and it gets dark at 4pm. Hate to break it to you but it will get darker and darker each day so Monday won’t be THAT terrible. Find something to do everyday at 4pm, whether it is getting a cup of decaf tea, fill up your water, do something to distract your mind so it doesn’t even realize that it is getting dark outside.
What are your tips on surviving the end of Daylight Savings?
Thanks for reading Elle’s Edit. If you have any topics that you would like for me to discuss, feel free to email me at elizabeth.lane.dooley@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you! xo
