Don't Let Daylight Savings Time Get the Best of You

This weekend we move the clocks forward one hour. That means you lose an hour of sleep this Saturday night.

An hour may not seem like much, but daylight savings time can throw your internal clock for a real loop. I know several people who feel a bit "off" for weeks after the switch. That's no fun, but if you take the proper steps, you can hit the ground running next Monday.

Starting today, begin going to bed a little earlier. It's best if you go to be an hour earlier, but even a half-hour will help. The early bed time will help your body feel ready to wake up earlier—then the time switch won't be such a shock. You can help your body adjust even more quickly by adjusting your dinner time a couple of days early, too.

After the switch, fight the urge to take a nap during the day. That will only confuse your body clock more. Instead, stay awake all day and then turn in at your new normal bedtime… you know, the one your going to implement over the next couple of days.

Also, make it a point to exercise and drink lots of water on Sunday and Monday. Staying active and hydrated will help you keep your energy up and get into step with your new schedule even faster.

Finally, on Monday try to schedule mostly routine activities… the ones that don't require too much in the way of innovative thought.

Following these steps over the next couple of days will make the time change a breeze, or at least less of a pain in the neck than it usually is.

Stay well,
Danny Wallace