NOVEMBER 2024 LIVE WELL. WORK WELL. NEWSLETTER: Daylight Saving Time and Your Health Making the Most of the Most of the United States shifts between Season standard and daylight-saving time (DST) each Fall is a season of transition, making it a year in an effort to “save” natural light. Clocks good time for building resilience and will get set one hour back on Sunday, Nov. 3. practicing mindfulness. Trees shed their Although you may be excited about gaining leaves, and the days grow shorter; this another hour in your day, DST can wreak havoc natural process may mirror personal on your physical and cognitive health for several lives, where change is inevitable. days, weeks or even months. Consider the following ways to work The disruption of DST can negatively impact with the energy of fall to amplify your your health. Your internal clock regulates critical mindfulness practice: processes, including the immune system. • Start each day with an intention. Interruptions to the circadian rhythm, your People often set goals and intentions body’s 24-hour biological cycle that regulates seasonally, making fall the perfect wake and sleep, can also impair your focus and time to refocus your time and judgment. In fact, research revealed that fatal energy. Setting intentions can help traffic accidents increased by 6% in the week align your values with your purpose. following DST. Fortunately, there are ways to increase your odds of a smooth DST transition. • Keep a gratitude journal. Make a While you may be tempted to use the extra hour daily habit of noting what you’re to indulge in various activities, health experts grateful for during the fall. Reflecting recommend using that time for sleep. To help on these moments of gratitude can make the DST transition easier, consider going help you appreciate the season more to bed 15-20 minutes early in the days deeply. beforehand to help your body get used to the • Practice meditation. Take a difference. If you have specific health concerns, moment each day to meditate and talk to your doctor. practice deep, mindful breathing. This exercise can help you stay grounded and calm during the Help Your Body Adjust to the Time busyness of the season. Change • Cook a seasonal recipe. Savor the seasonal flavors and cook a delicious homemade meal or bake a sweet treat. Fall flavors (e.g., apple, pumpkin, maple, ginger, cinnamon Exercise in Prioritize Keep a Remove sleep and sage) can add a comforting the morning sunlight consistent disturbances touch to your cooking. exposure sleep routine