Daylight Savings Time Starts on Sunday. Here are 5 Things You Can Do to Prepare
List of Services
-
Be aware that the time change is comingList Item 1
The weekend of the DST time change tends sneak up on us, just as we are getting into the groove of a new year. It can catch you off-guard and make for a difficult week. So, this is your warning. It is THIS WEEKEND! Plan ahead for both Saturday and Sunday activities so that you can call it an early night on Saturday and spend some time Sunday morning adjusting to the change. You lose an hour from your day and that hour most certainly will be taken out of your sleep time.
-
Keep your schedule the sameList Item 2
Use your more relaxed (hopefully) weekend time, to help you ease into the time change. If you can, go to bed an hour early on Saturday, but wake up at the same time you normally would on Sunday. This is probably the most effective way to adjust to the time change and to be ready for the week ahead. If your family activity or social schedule does not allow for this, read on for some other ways you can help your body make up for lost time.
-
Take a nap, but not a long oneList Item 3
If you missed out on some sleep between Saturday and Sunday, you might be tempted to take a long Sunday afternoon nap, but this will just derail your sleep for Sunday night. If you feel tired, take a short nap for 15-20 minutes in the early afternoon to refresh your energy. Avoid napping in the late afternoon or evening as this will make it more difficult for you to fall asleep at bed time and you will, once again, be tired on Monday morning.
-
Plan some activityList Item 4
Planning an outdoor afternoon activity will help to recharge your energy, especially if it is a sunny day. The extra activity will make it easier for you to fall asleep on time Sunday night as well. This is especially key for children as they tend to follow a clock less and rely more on what their bodies are telling them. Take the family out for a walk or a bike ride. It is a great weekend to start cleaning up the yard for spring.
-
Avoid “clockfusion”
Many devices with clocks such as smart phones and smart watches automatically adjust for time changes. However, the clock on your microwave or in your car may not. Be sure to make note of the various devices you own with clocks and if they will need to have the time changed manually. It is a good idea to change the time on these devices before going to bed on Saturday, that way you wake up certain that the time on your devices is correct and you aren’t accidentally late for work, school or important appointments on Monday morning.
