Spring Forward:

Time Shift Tips

Hey Readers!

First, Happy International Women’s Day! I want to give a special shout out to all the courageous womes, innovators, and everyday heroes that inspire me each day! Keep shining bright!

This week, since we are all “springing forward” as we set our clocks ahead this coming weekend, I thought I’d share some tips to help make the transition smoother.

I used to hate turning our clocks forward. Who wants to lose an hour when there is so much to do? Not to mention the fact that moving our clocks ahead disrupts our internal clocks and sleep schedules, leading to groggy mornings and sluggish days for the foreseeable next week. I won’t even get into my thoughts on time overall (I researched the concept of time heavily when I wrote my time travel murder mystery, All These Threads of Time). . . but if you want to read an eye-opening book on what time actually is and how it works, check out “The Order of Time” by Carol Rovelli. It will blow your mind!

Still, whether you believe time exists the way we know it or not, the fact is, we all live by the standardized clock. So don’t fret. With these tips, you will have a seamless transition for longer, brighter days ahead!

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

1. Adjust Your Sleep Schedule. If you can, start adjusting your sleep schedule gradually a few days before the time change to minimize the impact on your body’s clock. If you’re like me, and late to the party, at least try to go to bed an hour early the day before. Or if you’re reading this the day after our clocks change, be patient with yourself. Take a nap if needed!

2. Use Natural Light. Use natural light to help regulate your circadian rhythm and adjust to the new schedule more easily. You can do this by leaving your blinds up so the sunlight pours into your window, going outside shortly after you wake, or use a sunrise alarm clock. There are quite a few on Amazon to choose from!

3. Change your view. You are not losing an hour; you are gaining an hour of light! Remind yourself of all that extra time you’ll now have at the end of the day. Use this extra time to get outside where you can soak up all of that Vitamin D!

4. Adjust Your Morning Routine. Adjust your morning routine to account for the early sunrise. Try prepping things the night before (if you don’t already) to make the morning routine easier. Also, give yourself some extra time to reflect, even if it’s just five minutes to breathe. It really helps.

5. Reevaluate Your To Do List. Do you really need to accomplish ten things this weekend? Give yourself a break. Maybe your list can wait till next week. Prioritize what you must do, but take some time to do nothing too. Too much on your plate during a time shift might just be what sets you over the edge.

6. Reevaluate Your Schedule. The time change is the perfect opportunity to reevaluate what’s working and what’s not working in your schedule and daily routines. Also, as we head into Spring, it’s a great time to think about how you might need to change not only your daily schedule, but perhaps your diet, exercise plan, etc. Seasonal changes impact our health, and so do the foods we eat. Consider what produce is in season, new seasonal recipes to try, and establish new workout routines that involve daylight.

7. Reduce Screen Time. Don’t forget, life is what’s happening off the screen. Don’t waste your extra daylight on a blue screen. Use the extra daylight to garden, catch up with an old friend for an evening walk, or even read a book outside.

 I hope these tips help you transition to brighter days ahead! If you have any additional tips, share them in the comments!

Till Next Time,

Sarah

AKA A Busy Lady

P.S.

What I’m Reading: I’m currently reading the self-published memoir, “The Lonely Nest” by Concetta Falcone-Codding. It’s a powerful, impactful story on reliance and courage as the author navigates her life growing up in the shatters of a small Connecticut town as she and her family face domestic violence, childhood loss, and child abuse. It’s truly a courageous story that is comparable to Jeannette Walls’s The Glass Castle. I got my copy from a local indie bookstore, but it’s also on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Nest-STORY-WOMEN-DIFFERENCE/dp/1736908901

What I’m Cooking: I follow a mostly plant-based, Ayurvedic diet. I recently made this soup and LOVE it. It’s great for inflammation and when you aren’t feeling just right. Here’s the recipe: https://nutriciously.com/vegan-lentil-soup/

Also, if you are looking for a great, light tasting morning hot cereal, try this: https://www.forksoverknives.com/recipes/vegan-breakfast/golden-milk-millet-porridge/

What I’m Watching: Between writing two novels, attending writing class, work, family, prepping a third book for publication . . . I haven’t watched anything this week. That said, I’m really looking forward to seeing Argylle and American Fiction. Oh, and the new Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire at the theatres this weekend!  

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