How to Cope With the Side Effects of Daylight Saving Time
Winter is just around the corner-time to break out the sweaters, get ready for snow, and set the clocks back for Daylight Saving Time ending on Sunday, November 2nd.
While the days get shorter, let’s prepare for the unwanted side effects to our health. Luckily, we found great ways to combat them:
Shorter days mean less sunlight and vitamin D.
Vitamin D, or the “sunshine” vitamin, is essential for healthy, strong bones-and teeth. Since you get less sunshine in the winter and your body makes less vitamin D on its own, try taking a multi-vitamin containing vitamin D. Many dairy products and juices are also fortified with vitamin D.
Waking up when it’s still dark.
When your alarm clock goes off and it feels like the middle of the night, there’s a good chance you’ll be groggier in the morning. An easy fix is switching on a bright light to simulate sunlight. Yoga, exercise, and a high-protein breakfast can also jumpstart your energy.
Combat the winter blues.
Many people may feel gloomy in the winter, possible because reduced sunlight disrupts daily body rhythms. Here are a few tricks to keep spirits high:
- Catch rays. Take advantage of any sunny days in the forecast.
- Get exercise. Swimsuits may seem a lifetime away, but don’t skip your normal routine.
- Eeat healthy. Skip refined, processed foods (the usual suspects: sugar, rice, white bread), which cause mood swings and zap energy.
Eventually, your body will adjust, and maybe you’ll even love waking up to watch the sunrise!
