As much as “springing forward” represents an exciting time and warmer spring weather, the time change can affect your body in ways you don’t see. From your digestion, sleep schedule and more, daylight savings can impact the cycles and rhythms your body needs to operate. Here are a few ways to help your body adjust to the time change.
Get More Sunlight
Your circadian rhythms dictate when you sleep, wake up, digest, rest and release certain hormones. They’re impacted by the amount of red light you get on a daily basis. Telling your body when it’s time to rise and when it’s time to rest, your circadian rhythms depend partly on your exposure to natural light. Particularly during daylight savings time, it’s important to help your system reset by aligning with natural cycles. Take a walk first thing in the morning and let the sunlight meet your skin. Getting at least 20 minutes of red light can help your body start to adjust.
Keep Meal Times Consistent
When we first make the switch to daylight savings time, give your body time to adjust to the change. By gradually shifting your meal times, you avoid further amplifying the shock to your system from losing sleep. Start to shift your meal times 15 minutes per day until your body has adjusted.
Go to Sleep 10-15 Minutes Earlier
Obviously, you might not be able to go to bed an hour earlier right away. Introducing a slightly earlier bedtime will help your body get more rest as we make the transition, helping your circadian rhythms adjust.
Avoid Naps
Just like with jetlag, it’s better to move straight through daylight savings and allow your body to adjust rather than taking naps. Taking naps can bog down the process and make it more difficult to sleep at night.
Get Your Nutrients
Your system may need more support in making the switch to the new time, no matter how subtle. Getting vitamins and nutrients that pad the nervous system and help keep your system strong can make a huge difference in the way you feel. Drinking green juice and tea can help your system recover and adjust much more smoothly.
Consider Adaptogens
Made to pad your stress response, adaptogens help your body adapt to changing environments. Buffering your nervous system and giving your hormones the balance they need, adaptogens are a great tool to have, especially during daylight savings time. These need time to build up in your system, however, so try to implement them into your routine as early as possible.
