Spring Forward
Each morning I am noticing the sun rising earlier, indicating it’s almost time for us to Spring Forward with a time change. While not something easy to embrace, the extra sunshine at the end of the day is a bonus. What ways can we use that daylight hour to Spring Forward take better care of ourselves as well? Here’s a few ideas I have.
Sunny, happy times
Research shows the value of sunshine on our emotional well being. Longer days mean more sunshine. Sunlight cues seratonin, boosting your mood, helping you be calm and helping you stay focused. Getting 15 minutes of sunshine boosts Vitamin D which helps bone health.
Time for exercise
Studies show that walking 10,000 steps in a day helps us keep active both physically and mentally. With busy days that start early, the sunny evening time is great for a walk. Walking with your partner and kids is a bonus time for communication and sharing what’s happened that day.
Time for dinner
Longer daylight hours give us extra time to prepare dinner. Sitting down to dinner during daylight energizes you and your family. The Family Dinner project shares ways to include easy meals to help you get dinner on the table.
Routines that make the most of extra daylight
- End your day with meditation with the Headspace app.
- Create a checklist for routines with dinner, including family members cooking and cleaning together.
- Plan time for exercise with a family walk or bike ride.
- Create a good sleep routine by stopping technology an hour before bedtime, keeping your bedtime the same, and keeping clutter out of your bedroom.
- Spend 15 minutes with spring organizing at the end of your day. Daylight will keep you energized.
By embracing this change, like all other changes, you will find more order and productivity in your day.
Anytime we experience a change in our circumstances is the perfect opportunity to start a new habit. I happened to be traveling the week before the time change to a zone that was already an hour ahead, which made my transition easier. Nonetheless, I’ve enjoyed being back and having the extra evening “energy” of the light. It definitely motivates me to be more productive in the later hours!
Spring is one of my favorite seasons…especially because of the warmer days and extra sunlight. I’ve been missing the Vitamin D that the sun provides. And while I do take a Vitamin D supplement during the colder months, it’s just not the same as getting full, fresh sun directly from the source. I’ve started getting outside more as the days warm up. I’m not sure that I’ve done my 10,000 steps, as you suggested, but am happy to be walking again in the sunshine. Seratonin levels are definitely getting a boost.
@Linda – I love that the sun is such a boost to us all!
@Seana – what a smart idea! Here in Texas we have spring break the week of the time change. It’s easier for kids to acclimate to the change too.
What a boost of positivity ! Loving the focus on taking care of ourselves as opposed to what more we can do at work with that extra hour, which is the default for so many.
Especially here in New England, while we love our snow, we also long for Springtime as the first sign of lighter coats, outdoor time, nature, gardening, photography and yes, vitamin D! Such a mood difference. Many of my clients talk about seasonal affective disorder which I imagine might be more prevalent in climates similar to ours.
@Sue – it’s true that the sunshine can be significant for many reasons. Longer days can help those with brain based conditions feel much more positive, start their organizing and be more productive. Thanks for sharing this insight.