Do you dread the seasonal time changes?
Many people feel anxiety around the “fall back” and “spring ahead” clock modifications. In fact, people have been debating the necessity of daylight savings for decades. Yet, here we are, days away from setting our clocks back. Here are some ways you can cope:
1. Refrain your thoughts around it.
When we are confronted with something we can not change, we have 2 options: accept it or rail against it. Accepting it is not a “grin and bear it” mentality. It is simply not wasting energy fighting something you have no control over. What are some benefits? You get an extra hour to sleep Sunday morning. You will have more sunlight in the morning.
2. Use it as an opportunity to set up some healthy habits.
Perhaps you can get up an hour “early” (it will be your body’s normal time) and start an exercise or meditation regiment. Infact, early morning exercise is thought to help PMS symptoms and Seasonal Affective Disorder.
3. Hibernate
Bears have the right idea. They rest and restore the whole winter. If you go to bed at your usual time, you can have an extra hour of sleep! Insufficient sleep is a major culprit for mood disorders and weight gain. Use Daylight Savings as a chance to reset your sleep cycle and work towards 7-9 hours per night.
How do I help my kids with the time change?
This is a common concern for parents. Fortunately, the fall change is a lot easier than the spring “losing an hour”. Many kids will sleep right though. If your child is not a great sleeper historically, perhaps let them stay up an extra 15-30 minutes the night before to get their normal amount of sleep. Also keep their room dark with black out shades. If you don’t think any of this will work, set them up for some independent chill time.
Hacks for helping kids sleep in or leave you alone!
- You can get them an alarm clock that uses sound and light like this one.
- Save money and make your own. We connected a Christmas candle to a time and put it in their room.
- Tell them they can not leave their room until their alarm or candle comes on.
- Suggest quiet activities they can do in their room while they wait.
- Be sure to assure them that you will be up shortly.
Nurtured Well, LLC is committed to your well being!
Our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners offer a host of expertise in women’s mental health. We provide diagnosis and medication for anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders in women. Our nurses are also highly trained to help women with mood and anxiety issues during pregnancy and postpartum. You take care of everyone, email now to take care of you!