Still feeling a little sluggish from the ‘chaos of time change’? Strange isn’t it how the clock says 9:00 pm, we know it’s what we once felt at 8:00 pm, yet we are yawning, tired, dragging and would swear it’s actually 11:00 pm! Time change in the Spring to Daylight Saving Time is difficult for most people, don’t feel bad. It affects everyone, well except for our pets and children who remain on their schedules! Researches once believed it takes 3-4 days to adjust, the local Fox station reported this year the estimate has risen to 3 - 4 weeks time! So what is a body to do? We did a little digging and uncovered simple things you can do to lessen the impact and are sharing 4 of the best ways to combat the Daylight Saving Time blues.
Exercise! According to Dr. Nancy Low, clinical director of Mental Health Services at McGill University, the solution is to wake up earlier! Seems crazy right, but stick with us here. When you get up early, get out and enjoy strenuous exercise with other people your senses fire and in essence you "jump start your day." Working out releases a chemical in the brain called Seratonin, this chemical helps our bodies adjust. If you exercise regularly, preferably in a group so you are further stimulated by conversation early in the day, you will notice the difference. The adverse affects of Daylight Saving Time are reduced and you feel energized. If you have not tried it, Title Boxing has both the ways and the means, they offer several early classes to get your Seratonin flowing, putting you on track for an energetic day. Checkout their schedules, there are classes in South Tampa and Brandon.
Avoid Napping! It may seem like the thing to do, you feel groggy, you just want a few quick winks, but in truth it is the worst thing you could do; napping makes adjusting to Daylight Saving Time worse. If the urge to put your head down, or crawl up on the couch takes over, get up and go for a walk, plan to take a class, do something physical at lunch. Do not nap, it makes it harder to fall asleep later in the evening, and you need to get your sleep rhythm back on track.
Do not drink alcohol! Sorry, it's counterproductive! It interfere's with normal sleep patterns and right now we need to get back to normal. Also avoid cafffeine late in the afternoon or evening. A sound plan for beating the Daylight Saving Time blues involves adjusting to falling asleep an hour earlier and waking up feeling refreshed as quickly as possible. People with insomnia know food and drink affects sleep. The Sleep Institute recommends eating a light snack a couple hours before your normal bedtime. Think carbohydrates with a small protein! This combo increases availability of a sleep inducing amino acid to your brain, helping you to doze off, you might try:
- Yogurt or oatmeal with a nutty granola
- Half an apple with cheese or peanut butter
- Half of a bagel with peanut butter
- Whole wheat bread with a slice of meat or an egg
- Whole-grain crackers and a small bit of cheese
Do drink energizing smoothies! After your morning workout grab an energizing smoothie or make one to take with you. These nutrient dense drinks go a long way towards helping you adjust to time change. The combination of early morning exercise and an energy packed drink will get you back on track to 'normal' with the added benefit of physical fitness. From Designed Mastery here are 10 Smoothie Recipes For More Energy Every Morning.
Or try Diethood's Coffee Smoothie as long as it is early in the day.
Though more than 65,000 people signed the standardtime.com petition to abolish Daylight Saving Time to date, we are no closer to ending this crazy time roller-coaster.. While politicians argue the merits of abolishing DST vs. making it permanent, we need to be proactive in fighting off the affects of DST. From an increase in strokes, to automobile and work accidents it is important to our safety and the safety of those around us.
There is no reason to suffer through this 'dreaded time of year' when we find ourselves dragging out of bed an hour earlier each Spring. Don't take it lying down (pun intended) get up and get active!
Read more about the connection between sleep and exercise and consider checking out Title Boxing Club Brandon or Title Boxing Club South Tampa , your first class is FREE.
