I’ll be honest, Daylight Saving Time hit me like a truck this year. One hour shouldn’t feel like a big deal, but every spring it turns my routine upside down. If you’re walking around groggy, cranky, or totally unfocused, you’re in good company.
Experts always say to prep ahead of time by going to bed earlier the week before. I never do. You probably don’t either. Life is too packed for that level of planning.
What gets me every time is that it’s not just “losing an hour.” My internal clock feels like it gets knocked off its tracks. I’m wide awake late at night, then dragging myself out of bed like a zombie. And according to researchers who study circadian rhythms, our bodies really do get thrown off by this sudden shift. They say it can make us feel foggier, moodier, and just generally not our best.
So this year I’m actually doing a few things to help myself bounce back, and they’re working enough that I wanted to pass them along.
Here’s how I’m getting myself back on track:
1. I’m treating it like jet lag
My sleep schedule didn’t get ruined, it just got bumped. That mindset helps me be patient instead of annoyed.
2. I’m giving myself a few days to adjust
My body thinks it’s an hour earlier than the clock says, so I’m easing into mornings instead of forcing myself into high gear right away.
3. I’m getting outside more
A little sunshine helps reset that internal clock. Even a short walk clears my head and cuts through the “why am I so tired?” feeling.
4. I’m sleeping in when I can
Not every day, but if I have a morning with a little wiggle room, I take it.
5. I’m watching my eating schedule
I wait about an hour after I wake up before eating, and I stop snacking a few hours before bed. It seems small, but it actually helps my sleep fall into place faster.
If you’re feeling off this week, you’re not imagining it. Your body is trying to catch up. Be a little kind to yourself while it does. And if you find something that helps you bounce back faster, tell me—I’m always looking for more tricks.
Source: Scientific American