6 Ways To Fall Back—Not Flat

Stay energized and beat the seasonal slump when Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday.
Nigel Edelshain,
Setting Up Alarm Clock

Halloween isn’t the only day highlighted on calendars this weekend; Sunday marks the end of Daylight Saving Time. This is when we engage in the yearly practice of moving clocks back an hour, starting at 2 a.m. on Nov. 2. More important, it’s the day we gain an extra hour of sleep!

To some, however, this time of year isn’t always favorable. As daylight hours dwindle, our bodies and minds feel the shift, which can lead to seasonal stress, anxiety or depression. How to combat these seasonal blues and blahs? Here are some tips that can help reset the body:

  • Take brisk walks. Easy physical activity such as a neighborhood stroll during the day can release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. The sunlight, even on a cloudy day, can regulate serotonin levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. Can’t get outside? Try dancing while waiting for your lunch to heat up in the microwave, or relax with a yoga session after work.
  • Watch what you eat. Try not to overdo it on Halloween candy as well as the holiday sweets and treats that will emerge in the coming weeks and months. Sugar highs and lows can lead to emotional lows and irritability.
  • Get smart with lights. Install and set smart light bulbs to mimic sunlight, and have them activate before nightfall. A light therapy box, which emits bright light, also can replicate sunlight and help boost serotonin levels during the day.
  • Consider supplements. A lack of sunlight can lead to low levels of vitamin D, which can contribute to symptoms of depression or seasonal affective disorder. Talk to your doctor about whether vitamin D supplements are for you. Pro tip: If you can’t get outside during the day, position your workspace near a window for a daily dose of vitamin D-producing natural light.
  • Set up a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends, says the Cleveland Clinic. This will help regulate your circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that determines when you feel drowsy or alert.
  • Watch the caffeine. If you’re tired during the day because your sleep schedule is thrown off, an extra cup of coffee can do the trick. (Just don’t overdo it!) Where to get that extra jolt of caffeine? Here are five recently opened Bergen coffee shops that have the Americanos, espressos and lattes you need.
  • Bergen Coffee Roasters, 20 Sheridan Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201.595.0662
  • Café de Lyon, 318 Broad Ave., Leonia, 845.427.4245
  • La Messina Coffee House, 230 Main St., Fort Lee, 201.429.2441
  • Rippin Roasters, 68 Schraalenburgh Rd., Harrington Park, 201.345.0717
  • Sweet Dreams Café, 340 Ridge Rd., Lyndhurst, 201.622.0411

Do you have any tips to beat seasonal blues? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.

Categories: Bergen Health & Life