7 Morning Rituals to Survive the End of Daylight Savings Time

With the official end of Daylight Saving Time happening on November 6, it’s worth getting prepared for the time change in order to keep your mood and energy levels high.

The end of DST can still affect circadian rhythm and many people find it difficult to adjust their wake up times for up to a week following the change. Naturally, it helps to get an extra hour of sleep, but for those who are chronically sleep-deprived, this extra hour won’t do much. At least not in the beginning.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep-deprived individuals can benefit from the end of DST by adjusting their clocks right before falling asleep and setting an alarm for Sunday morning at their regular wake up time.

Here’s how to prevent the end of daylight savings time from messing up your sleep.

#1. Create a Sleep Schedule

Sleep schedules are important for maintaining healthy sleep. Once the clocks change, try sticking to a rigid schedule so that you ensure you get adequate shut eye. This way, you’ll wake up every morning feeling bright and refreshed. Getting better sleep won’t just improve your mood and energy levels, but it’ll prevent all kinds of life threatening illnesses and incidents such as heart attacks and car accidents.

#2: Go to Bed Early, Wake Up Early

Most important of all, make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep. If you wake up early, be sure to go to bed to early so that you’re clocking at least 8 hours each night. All the sleep experts agree that people who sleep less than 7.5 hours a night are more likely to experience difficulty with the time change.

Sleep is essential for maintaining good health, and promoting productive days. If you’re struggling to sleep, try incorporating a bedtime routine that gets you in the sleepy state of mind. Alternatively, visit a healthcare specialist who can help improve your quality of sleep. They may recommend melatonin supplements.

By going to bed early and waking up early, you’ll feel refreshed, perky, and productive!

#3: Do Your Skincare Routine

A great way to make the most of the end of DST is to add structure and routine into your days. As soon as you wake up (or at least after having that first cup of coffee), start your skincare routine. Cleanse, apply your favorite serum, moisturize, and then finish with a generous layer of sunscreen for protection against UV rays and blue light.

Since it’ll be pitch black outside in the mornings, you need structure to ensure you wake up early every morning and get the most out of your day. Regardless of your time zone, the body clock gets mixed up when daylight hours change, which is why structure next to a good night’s sleep is essential for surviving the end of DST.

To brighten and protect your skin, try our SMOOTH Bundle. To hydrate, reach for our HYDRATE Bundle. If you’re looking for an anti-aging routine, try our TIGHTEN Bundle. Include these products into your morning routine to start waking up earlier, getting more out of your day, and feeling perkier!

#4: Workout

Next time you wake up, head to the gym or a largish space in your home to complete an invigorating workout. Morning exercise leaves you feeling incredible! It’s the perfect way to start your day, up your energy levels, and get things done.

An added bonus of doing more exercise: it’ll help you sleep better and adjust to the time shift. By working out at the same time each day, you can keep your circadian clock and sleep cycle on track.

#5: Go Out in the Sun

Your body's circadian rhythm follows the light, which is why it’s a good idea to expose yourself to some morning sunlight. Getting plenty of sunlight can also prevent seasonal affective disorder.

If you have a garden or balcony, sit outside with your morning coffee and a book while you soak up the am sun. Not only will it feel good, but it’ll wake you up, improve your mood, and boost your energy levels. It’s the simplest solution.

#6: Soak in an Energizing Bath

While baths are usually reserved for the evening, there’s no reason why you can’t wake up with an energizing bath. Draw a warm bath, drop in some energizing essential oils such as orange oil, and slide in. Of course, you’ll still enjoy the relaxion benefits of a bath, but the scent from the orange oil will give you an instant mood boost while increasing your energy levels. It’s the perfect way to start your day.

No time for a bath? Try a shower instead. There are plenty of energizing shower mists out there to spice up your shower sessions.

#7: Write Your To-Do List

One of our fave ways to start the day is by writing a to-do list. Sure, it sounds kinda boring, but writing down everything you need to do for the day means you won’t forget anything and you can follow a list which will add structure to your day.

Creating a to-do list is a great way to set the day in motion. Plus, it’ll feel great when you check off each task at the end of the day. You’ll feel extremely accomplished afterwards.

Now that the end of daylight savings time is coming, it’s important to follow these morning rituals in order to adjust in the best possible way. With the darker mornings, it can be tough to wake up early and do the things you usually do during daylight savings time. With these rituals, you will definitely find it easier to adjust and get the most out of your days this winter.