That first Sunday morning in November is like a reward (read that the way it sounds on TikTok). To start with, it’s a Sunday and you get to sleep in, which in itself is a luxury. But then, whenever you actually do get up and check the clock, IT’S STILL EARLY?? That extra hour is probably one of my favorite parts of fall, along with the seasonal Starbucks drinks, of course.
But then 5pm rolls around and… it’s pitch black outside.
What began as a way to reduce the use of electricity in the early 1900s, is now a set-back for many individuals. It can lead to a lack of motivation, lowered levels of energy, a messed-up sleep schedule, seasonal depression, and basically just the urge to crawl into bed, curl up into a blanket, and hibernate. There’s actually research from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine that outlines the many detriments to your health that the adjustment from standard time to daylight saving time can have, including increased risk for cardiovascular incidents, automobile accidents, disease, and mood disorders, among others. There is hope however in the form of the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill, where if it passes the House and is signed into law by President Biden, would make Daylight Saving Time permanent and would take effect November 2023.
Until then, however, “Fall Back” shouldn’t mean falling back into an unhealthy lifestyle. So, to combat the struggles, here are some tips to keep going!
Feel the sunshine!
- Spend time outdoors when it’s light outside during the day, especially in the morning. This is great for your circadian rhythm, to get it adjusted to the new timings and it can help with your energy levels.
Stand up!
- When you’re hitting that time around 5pm when you feel yourself shutting down, but a week’s worth of homework due that tonight is still waiting for you, stand up! There’s research that supports how literally just standing up and walking around your apartment can wake you up.
Switch it up!
- Try switching up your study/work location to give yourself a sense of change. Go to a coffee shop, the library, study rooms, or a friend’s place. A new environment even promotes better memory recall. You could also try switching up what genre of music you’re listening to. This jumpstarts your brain!
Fight the Procrastination!
- DO YOUR EASY STUFF LAST! Throughout the day, get your harder, time-consuming, and more difficult tasks or homework out of the way. Save the easier, mindless stuff for later on in the evening where you don’t have to focus on much cause we both know you’d much rather be in bed.
Workout!
- Workout later in the day to avoid falling asleep early! If you workout after 6 or 7pm, the workout can reenergize you for a few hours, helping you stretch out your bedtime. And whenever you do fall asleep, you’ll sleep better.
Keep Your Regular Schedule!
- Eat at the same time, sleep at the same time, and follow your routine as it was before according to the new timing. DO NOT shift it to an hour earlier, if you want the best transition.
Hibernate!
- Let’s face the facts. You can do everything above and still get the winter blues. So, at some point, stop fighting it! Let yourself be cozy: blanket, hot cocoa or tea, fireplace (real or tv screensaver), board games, light a candle, or a good show (My recommendation would definitely be Gilmore Girls, I’m almost through my first time watching, and the vibes are immaculate). Take some rest and that time for yourself.
Hope you found these helpful!