Ways to Prep for Daylight Savings
Can you believe it’s already time for Daylight Savings? We know the “spring forward” can be a difficult transition, so we’re sharing some of our best tips for getting through it!
Ease into it - With kids, a great way to ease the transition into daylight savings is to start going to bed a little earlier each night for about a week leading up to the time change. It’s not a bad idea for adults either! This will help you and your kids feel less groggy as you start waking up earlier than usual in the mornings and will help you feel ready for bed sooner.
Limit screen time - Did you know the blue light from screens cuts down your melatonin production? Less melatonin makes it more difficult to fall and stay asleep. Try cutting out any screen time for an hour before your bedtime. You can set an alarm to remind you when it’s time to shut down your device and focus on your nightly routine.
Be consistent - Stick to your bedtime routine as you approach daylight savings. And if you don’t have a routine, make one! Fill that hour before bed with activities that will help you slow down: read from a physical book, stretch, meditate, drink something soothing, take a bath, or listen to calm music.
Try something new - Maybe you’re not a morning person and an earlier and darker morning makes that more difficult. Try a new morning routine that could make things a little cheerier. As a reward for simply surviving the time change, take yourself to that favorite breakfast spot you’ve been wanting to try. Or go for a brisk walk in a pretty location. You could also try a yoga class or a fun morning dance party with your kids.
Look on the bright side - The whole point of daylight savings is to enjoy some extra sunlight in the evenings, so to give yourself something to look forward to while you’re trudging through the darker and earlier mornings, plan a fun way to use that extra hour of light in the evening. As it gets warmer, you could play games out in the yard with your kids. Or maybe get started on that garden you’ve been wanting to plant. Or simply spend some time relaxing in a comfy chair while you watch the sunset.
Give yourself time to adjust - Despite all the preparation, you’ll probably still feel a bit groggy as you adjust to the time change. Be gentle with yourself (and your kiddos)! Give yourself permission to feel grumpy or tired and do what you can to try and make the best of it. The adjustment will get better!
What helps you get through the schedule change with spring Daylight Savings? Let us know in the comments below!