8 Ways to Make Daylight Saving Time Work to Your Advantage
If you're looking to become a morning person, the early November time switch is an excellent opportunity for a reset.
The fall season marks the end of Daylight Saving Time. The main purpose of DST, often referred to as “summer time,” is to make better use of the daylight during the spring and summer months. Many of us savor that extra hour of daylight in the evenings when we move our clocks forward, but losing it in fall can sometimes be a shock to the system. Ahead of the time switch happening at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 5, here are ten ways you can embrace Daylight Saving Time and make it work to your advantage.
Get your hygge on.
Hygge is a Norwegian and Danish word that is used to describe coziness and feelings of overall contentment. Take advantage of the shorter days by hanging some soft twinkle lights, lighting some candles and turning on the fire in the evenings. Then, curl up with a mug of herbal tea, grab a fuzzy blanket and your favorite book, and embrace the vibe.
Drink a warm beverage.
During the colder months, warm up from the inside out with a toasty beverage. You could enjoy a refreshing herbal tea or a savory bone broth. You may also consider adding warming flavors and spices to your mug of tea like anise, cardamom and cinnamon to help keep you roasty-toasty on those chilly fall days.
Go to bed earlier.
During the long days of summer, the sun doesn't set until well after 8 p.m., which can prompt us to stay out later. However, during the fall, the sun begins to set earlier (eventually as early as 4:30 p.m.), so why not use it to your advantage and get to bed earlier? We could all use more sleep, so embrace the night and catch some Zzzs.
RELATED: How to Keep Daylight Saving Time From Ruining Your Sleep
Host an autumn potluck.
Although many of us start to hibernate when the days get shorter, don't let Daylight Saving Time completely erase your social calendar. Lean into the casual low-key vibes of the season and host a fall potluck with close friends and neighbors. Getting to know your community can make the season way better.
Practice self-care.
As temperatures drop, take advantage of the shorter days by increasing self-care practices. As the air gets drier, it's important to hydrate both internally and externally, so go ahead and slather on some extra body lotion. Then, put on a comfy pair of sweatpants and slide into a fuzzy pair of slippers and get ready for some high-quality self-care time.
RELATED: 50 Best Self-Care Ideas for Mental and Physical Well-Being
Serve up some warming foods.
During fall and winter, our bodies crave warming foods to keep us cozy. Think of fall foods like casseroles, classic comfort foods, and amazing homemade soups. Embrace Daylight Saving Time by whipping up all of the hearty dishes for your dinner table. Go ahead and fire up that slow cooker. ‘Tis the season after all!
Shop for the season.
Head out early to the farmers' market to take advantage of the seasonal bounty and fill your canvas bag to the brim. Some fall foods to look out for: acorn squash, apples, broccoli, butternut squash, cauliflower, cranberries, garlic, ginger, pomegranates, pumpkin, sweet potato and turnips.
RELATED: 40 Healthy Fall Recipes That Are Comforting and Delicious
Take time to reflect.
Fall and winter are a much-needed balance to spring and summer, so embrace your biological need to hibernate. Lay low, light some candles and turn inward while taking some time to reflect. Journaling and meditating during this time of year can lead to some very insightful thoughts.
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