6 tips for adapting to the time change
The changeover to winter time, scheduled for the night of Saturday 26th to Sunday 27th October, is turning our routine upside down. It gets dark earlier, the mornings are colder, and getting out of bed becomes a real ordeal! But don’t panic: with a few simple tips, you can get through this transition smoothly and get up on the right foot, even when the cold tempts you to stay under the comforter.
Why do we change time?
Daylight saving time was introduced to optimize the use of natural light during the darker months. By moving back an hour, we gain an hour of light in the morning, but in return, evenings become shorter. This system has been introduced in many countries to reduce energy consumption.
1. take advantage of natural light
Organize outdoor walks and take advantage of natural light, essential for regulating your circadian rhythm. Autumn is an ideal time for invigorating walks while admiring colorful landscapes. Magnificent sites such as those mentioned in this article The most beautiful landscapes in French-speaking Switzerland in autumn colors offer perfect routes for an invigorating walk.
2. Limit screens before bedtime
Electronic devices emit blue light that disrupts the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Limit screen use to at least an hour before bedtime to allow your body to relax. Opt for a meditation session or a book rather than browsing social networks before going to sleep.
3. Maintain a balanced diet
Your diet plays a key role in managing your energy and sleep. Choose foods rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber (such as fruit, vegetables, nuts and wholegrain cereals) to help maintain your alertness and avoid slumps.
4. Opt for short naps
If you feel a drop in energy in the afternoon, a nap is beneficial. However, it’s important to limit it to 15 to 20 minutes to avoid disrupting your night’s sleep. Prolonged naps can interfere with your ability to fall asleep in the evening, leading to an unbalanced sleep cycle and night-time awakenings. If you work in an office environment, you can use chairs designed for Power NAP, such as the EnergyPod. These ergonomic chairs are specially designed to promote rapid and effective recovery.
5. Use tricks to get out of bed more easily
With the arrival of cold, dark mornings, getting out of bed can become a real challenge. Instead of struggling, implement tricks to make waking up easier. Set yourself up for a bright awakening with a dawn simulator, helping you to wake up gently. Do some light stretching or yoga movements to activate your body. This stimulates blood circulation and gradually warms up your body.
6. Practice relaxation techniques
Incorporating relaxation techniques, such as sophrology, meditation or yoga nidra, can help reduce the stress associated with the time change. Relaxation also helps you to unwind in the evening, so you can fall asleep more quickly. Discover one of our meditation sessions here: Guided meditation session.
Conclusion
The time change can disrupt our habits, but with a little preparation, it’s possible to make this transition smoother. By following these tips, you’ll help your body adapt better to the new schedule and manage the day more serenely.
