After enduring short days and even longer nights, daylight savings time could not come sooner. More daylight means more time to spend outside and enjoy the warmer weather to come. Even though springing forward gives us that extra hour of daylight, our bodies still feel the effect of the time change. Here are a few ways to help you spring forward with ease.

 Gradually Switch your Bedtime

Since you will be losing an hour of sleep, start going to bed 10 minutes earlier than usual each night. Gradually subtract 10 minutes from your usual bedtime a week before Daylight Savings. This will allow your body to adjust to a new time in a natural way. By taking this extra step, you can ensure to be well-rested after springing ahead one hour.

Get Natural Light

A large part of your circadian rhythm is regulated by natural sunlight. Springing forward means you will have more light at night and less in the morning. Since sunlight suppresses the production of the hormone melatonin but darkness does aim to get as much daylight earlier in the day. This way you will be naturally tired by bedtime.

Keep your Regular Routine

Regardless of the time change, aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time you did before. Having a set sleep routine will allow you to adjust to the time change quicker. Gradually adjusting your bedtime (as stated above) will help you fall into the new schedule easier.

Turn All of Your Clocks Back

The night before daylight savings time occurs, manually update all of your clocks to reflect the time change. This way, you will wake up at the correct time and won’t accidentally catch yourself an hour ahead.

Exercise

With an extra hour of light during the day, it’s the perfect time to start a new exercise routine. Go for a walk after work, or head out on a post-dinner run. More daylight allows you to create new healthy habits to keep you happy and healthy all year long.

Reduce Screen Time

With more natural sunlight, we no longer need to light up the world with screens and artificial light. Use the extra daylight as an excuse to put away your technology and enjoy the sunshine. Sunlight is proven to have major health benefits, not only increasing your Vitamin C intake but by releasing endorphins.

By following these 6 tips, you will adjust to the extra hour of daylight with ease. After a long winter, you deserve to enjoy the sun, just make sure you keep your sleep cycle the same. Spring forward well-rested and excited for the long summer days to come.

If you are looking to join or advance your career in Multi-Family, visit our online job board at jobs.intersolutions.com and bring your morning A-game to top communities in your area!