Tips for Adjusting to the Fall Time Change

It’s officially that time of year, and we’re in the thick of enduring the big switch back to darker days after Daylight Savings Time has ended here in Michigan. You may be feeling a variety of different physical and emotional side effects and we want you to know you aren’t alone. This stretch of time can be particularly difficult with young kids at home as everyone adjusts. Most experts say it takes at least a week for most people to adjust to the time change, but there are things you can do to help yourself acclimate. Here are some tips to help you adjust back to standard time.

Create a Solid Nighttime Routine

This is helpful throughout the entire year, but is especially helpful with the clocks winding back an hour. Creating a routine around going to bed notifies your body that it’s time to get ready for sleeping. When you create a series of routines, it’s easier for your body to recognize what comes next. A couple of hours before bedtime, start winding down. Get into your pajamas or comfy clothes. Start dimming the lights around the house. Try a soothing activity that doesn’t involve the light from screens like reading. Drink a warm beverage like tea. Complete any before-bed routines you already have like skin care or taking a warm shower. Then slip under the sheets and drift off to sleep! 

Take Advantage of the Sunshine 

This time of year, especially in Michigan, sunshine can be hard to come by. On those days where you get more sun, be sure to get outside and soak it up. The sun actually alerts your body of the time of day and helps with your natural sleep patterns. Many experts recommend getting outside before the sun sets to get in those last few minutes of sunshine for the day. 

Stick to Your Normal Schedule

Try as hard as you can to keep the routines you already established on the same time schedule. If you normally eat dinner around 7 during Daylight Savings Time, resist the urge to shift your mealtime. Especially for kids, keeping their routines is important to maintain their regular schedules. Moving things to earlier times because of the time change will likely mean you start doing everything earlier. 

Never fear, within a week or so you’ll be feeling back to normal. As we start to head toward winter, don’t be afraid to lean into the season and give yourself grace to recognize your feelings. Now is the time we start getting cozier and turn inward for the colder and darker days to come. Be sure to take care of your mental health and your physical wellbeing each day.