Don’t you love the lighter evenings when the clocks go forward for Daylight Saving Time at the end of March? It seems like you can get so much more done and it boosts your energy. And even better: Although that particular night is shorter by one hour, you don’t lose sleep when the clocks go forward. You can actually use it to your advantage to reset your sleep!
Looking for help with the clocks changing in autumn? Find out how to make the most of the clocks going back to empty your stress bucket.
The benefits of the clocks going forward
Why not get solution-focused about the start of British Summer Time and look at the advantages of the clocks going forward? For example, it makes you feel hopeful about what’s to come and things you can enjoy more. Also, being outdoors is so good for your physical and mental wellbeing, so topping up on Vitamin D and getting fresh air will do wonders for how you look and feel. Additionally, you’ll be saving energy on heating and lighting and, statistically, it’s safer; there are fewer road accidents in the summer months.
The main one for me though is waking up in the mornings more naturally with the light. It’s so much easier to wake up this way than an alarm clock blaring away in the dark, isn’t it?
So, here’s what you can do to prepare yourself and even take advantage of that lost hour.
1. Plan ahead
Start to think about going to bed a bit earlier and getting up a bit earlier a few days ahead of Saturday night. If you adjusted those times by only 15 minutes for a few days you’ll be ahead of the game when Sunday morning arrives.
Also, feel free to have a lie-in on Sunday morning or go to bed earlier on Sunday night, too (don’t do both – that’s counter-productive). What you’re trying to do here is set yourself up ready for Monday morning, when often it’s more important that you’ve readjusted.
2. Have a power nap
Try having a short nap on Sunday afternoon. Although it doesn’t ‘make up for lost time’ it can help you feel revived so that you can go to bed at a normal time on Sunday. And then you’re all reset once again!
I’d recommend keeping your nap to 25-30 minutes maximum. If you want to find out more, check out my post about how to nap effectively!
3. Make the most of it
Why not treat yourself for that hour you have to get up earlier than you’re used to? Maybe plan a special breakfast or choose a different route for your daily walk. (The latter could also help you feel more tired by the end of the day and go to bed at a normal time.)
Also, don’t try to ‘trick’ your brain. Accept that it is the new time and make the best of it. This way it’s easier to accept the change.
4. Don’t panic
Don’t focus on the problem! It’s only one hour and it’s not going to disrupt your sleep pattern as much as you might assume. If you start to overthink it then you’re just going to make things worse.
Carry on with your normal routines and, even if you haven’t prepared, you will reset yourself naturally over the following few days.
There’s a lot of talk about scrapping daylight savings altogether which may not be a bad idea, especially for our sleep. However, until then, enjoy the change that is about to come, say hello to summer and look at the positives!