5 Tips to Adjust to Daylight Savings
There are a lot of things that I could point to as signs of me “getting old.” The truth is, it's not that I'm getting or feeling old, it's just the older I get the less I can tolerate little things that disrupt my daily routine. These days, as I deal with my Type A lifestyle, nothing f’s up my day worse than daylight savings. What used to be a celebrated day of additional time or sunlight has turned into three days of adjustment, cranky kids and “chaos.”
Okay, it isn’t that dramatic. But again, my routine and the schedule at home has little room for this type of uncertainty. So, how do I manage and what are some things I can take back and be in control of while we spend a few days adjusting? Here are my tips for managing sleepless nights and working through chaotic days.
Stay active
Try working out, especially high-intensity interval training. This can reset circadian rhythm and put you right back on track. This is a hack for fighting jet lag too. One quick (but intense) workout can snap you right back into rhythm and doge any fog from the overnight time change.
Eat right, quality foods
Personally I prefer using fat for energy, it also helps me stay full. This can hold you over during unpredictable days/nights. Lowering your sugar intake is also a good idea. This avoids crashes and can keep you in a better mood throughout the day.
Fluids + Electrolytes
Did you know apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help keep your blood sugar down after meals? Sipping on a homemade mix of AVC, salts, lemon and potassium can keep your energy up, sugars low and spirits high. Here’s my personal recipe:
32 oz water
½ squeezed lemon
¼ teaspoon of redmond real salt (2x if I’m really active)
¼ teaspoon of potassium (I use morton--no salt)
1 tablespoon of Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Be efficient, be organized
Spring ahead but lose an hour! If you’re already a busy person, you’ll need a plan. Manage your calendar and schedule your day with the family ahead of time. This includes family activities, bed times and key meetings at the office. Everyone else manages your calendar, you should too!
Mindset
Make sure you have the right mentality. This will pass. Anything outside of your comfort zone will help in the long run. Ah yes, it's only temporary--twice a year. It comes and goes, never getting easier, but also passing in what feels like a long 48-72 hours.
Conclusion
So, is it really that dramatic? No, but these little things can mess up your flow. Don’t believe me? Think about how many conversations you probably had this week about being tired, sluggish or trying desperately to get the family back on schedule. See...the good news is my tips work for me and I’m willing to bet they might be beneficial for you too. It actually reminds me of a post from 2020, Healthy Things Grow.
Until next time, enjoy the sunlight.