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Tips For How To Survive Daylight Saving Time

Daylight saving time is around the corner, and you know what that means: You’ll get an extra hour of sunlight at the end of the day, but in exchange, you’ll have to wake up an hour earlier than usual. If you’re not a morning person, that’s no problem — if you are, though, it can be a bit tough.

The good news is that there are several ways to make the transition easier on your body. Here are some tips for how to prepare for daylight saving time this year!

  • Prepare yourself mentally. Okay, we know, this one sounds a little too simple — but believe it or not, it works! The night before daylight saving time kicks in, set your alarm for the new early time (that is, an hour earlier). This will help your brain get used to this new schedule. Make sure you get enough sleep. If you’re already having trouble waking up in the morning as it is, losing that extra hour of rest will only make things worse. Try going to bed an hour earlier than usual in the nights leading up to daylight saving time so that you can catch up on some much-needed sleep.
  • Get some sun — When it’s sunny outside, our bodies produce more of a hormone called serotonin. It helps us feel alert and awake during the day and helps us sleep at night. Experts say getting some sunlight in the morning can help your body reset its internal clock.
  • Watch what you eat — If you want to stay up late on Saturday night (who doesn’t?), avoid eating heavy meals or drinking alcohol within two hours of bedtime. Calories from food and alcohol can keep you awake if consumed too close to bedtime. Instead, opt for a light snack.

 

Mary J. Payne
Mary has over 10 years of experience as a journalist. She loves to travel and write about her experiences, but she also covers topics such as education, career advice and finances.