This past weekend, we all lost an hour of sleep for more daylight. While the extra hour of sun in the evening is most welcome, many people find that their sleep schedules, overall alertness, and productivity levels are thrown off by the change. A study at the University of Washington found that people tend to lose an average of 40 minutes of sleep the night of daylight savings and are 20% more likely to be unfocused at work in the days following Wondering how you can best cope with daylight savings and make the most out of the change? We have you covered below!
1. Stay Awake + Healthy
Sleep deprivation can affect all aspects of our health. To compensate for the disruptions to normal sleep schedules, focus on healthy and sustainable ways to keep your energy up! Ditch the sugary drinks (that includes ones with fake sugar too) and boost yourself with green tea, a small cup of black coffee, kombucha, or a few squares of dark chocolate for that caffeine boost. When it comes to your diet, make whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins a priority. Consuming greasy foods can have us feeling even more lethargic and slow.
2. Try a New Productivity Method
Even if you don’t typically struggle with completing tasks during the day, your productivity might need a little TLC in the days following daylight savings. This week is the perfect time to try out a new productivity method to switch things up and get out of your normal routine. Click here to check out our favorite productivity hacks, including the Pomodoro method, which recommends working on one task at a time and taking timed short breaks in between.
3. Be More Intentional With Your Schedule
Take extra time to practice self-care and be kind to yourself this week. If time allows, move major meetings and extracurricular engagements to the following week. Try to wind down an hour earlier than usual to catch up on those zzz’s. You can also meal prep, lay out your outfit, and pack your bag the night before to maximize sleep. Don’t be so hard on yourself if you aren’t up to that intense HIIT workout or are feeling more lethargic- take care to rest up and re-align your schedule to hit the ground running next week.
4. Take Advantage of the Extra Sun
The reasoning behind Daylight savings is also the main benefit- the sun is out for longer! Behind us are the days of leaving work after it’s already dark out. It’s time to capitalize on the sunlight and treat yourself after work. Go for an outdoor walk or run, dine al fresco for happy hour, or simply sit on a bench and read a great book. While the adjustment to the new schedule can be rough, you can still enjoy those extra rays of sunshine.
Daylight savings is a time to get excited for the warmer weather and longer nights ahead! With these tips, you’ll be back on schedule in no time. At AdvantEdge Workspaces, we are here to help on days where you just feel “off”. Click below to learn more about how our Client Services Coordinators serve as an extension of your business and make navigating even the toughest of days a breeze.
