Navigating the "Fall Back" this Daylight Savings
As the seasons shift, so does the clock, welcome to daylight savings time. This biannual practice of moving the clocks forward or backward by an hour may seem simple enough, but for many, it comes with noticeable effects on our bodies and routines.
What is Daylight Savings?
Daylight savings time (DST) was originally designed to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer and save energy. Each fall, we “fall back,” gaining an extra hour of sleep, and in the spring, we “spring forward,” losing an hour. While it may sound like an easy shift, this change disrupts our internal clocks, known as our circadian rhythms, which are finely tuned to follow natural light and dark cycles.
The Effects of Daylight Savings on Our Bodies
Our bodies run on an internal 24-hour clock that aligns with the natural cycle of light and dark. When daylight savings disrupts this rhythm, it can lead to a range of effects, including:
- Sleep Disruption: Adjusting to a new schedule can impact the quality of your sleep, making it harder to fall and stay asleep.
- Mood Changes: Sudden changes in sleep patterns and light exposure can lead to shifts in mood, increased irritability, or even symptoms similar to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
- Energy Fluctuations: Your body may feel out of sync with its natural signals, resulting in low energy levels, especially in the morning.
- Cognitive Performance: Studies have shown that the abrupt change can affect concentration and reaction times as your body works to adjust.
Nature Doesn’t Change Its Clocks
Unlike us, the natural world follows Earth’s natural signals. Birds don’t reset their internal clocks, and animals continue with their routines, adapting gradually as daylight changes throughout the year. It’s a gentle reminder that while our schedules may shift overnight, our bodies need time to catch up, just as nature does.
How to Ease Into Your New Schedule
Adapting to the abrupt change of daylight savings is not always easy, but here are some tips to help you transition smoothly and kindly:
- Adjust Gradually: If possible, start shifting your bedtime by 10-15 minutes each night leading up to the change. This helps your body ease into the new schedule.
- Prioritize Sleep Hygiene: Create a calming bedtime routine with reduced screen time and a cool, dark room to promote restful sleep.
- Let in Natural Light: Start your morning with exposure to natural light, which signals your body to wake up and energizes your system.
- Go Easy on Yourself: Recognize that feeling out of sorts is normal. Give yourself time and space to adjust, without placing too much pressure on yourself.
- Stay Active: Gentle exercise like stretching or a short walk can help reset your body’s rhythm and boost your mood.
- Practice Mindful Relaxation: This is where we love to offer a special tip—consider an aromatherapy-filled shower as part of your evening or morning routine. Our Serenity Shower Steamers, infused with Lavender, Chamomile, and Sandalwood, can help you unwind in the evening, promoting a sense of calm as your body adjusts. For mornings, our Vitality blend with Peppermint, Lemongrass, and Orange can provide an energizing lift to start your day.
A Moment for You
Daylight savings may be just a one-hour shift, but it’s okay to acknowledge that your body needs time to adjust. Be gentle with yourself during this transition. Create moments of peace, whether it’s a morning walk in the sunlight or an aromatherapy shower that turns your daily routine into a ritual of self-care.
Remember, your well-being is not just about going through the motions, it’s about nurturing yourself as you adapt, just as nature does with the changing seasons.
Take a breath, allow yourself the space to transition, and don’t forget that it’s perfectly okay to take things slow. After all, being kind to yourself today will set the tone for better days ahead.
