Making the Best of Daylight Saving Time 2021

Every year around this time, we hear a familiar question: “When do we turn back the clocks?” and “It’s later than I thought!” This year Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 7 at 2:00 AM. That’s when the clocks will “fall back” Read on for the history behind this practice and tips to make the most of longer nights and shorter days.  

A Very Brief History of Daylight Saving Time

Contrary to popular belief, Daylight Saving Time did not begin for the farming community in the United States. In fact, they are one of the top opposers of the practice. Giving credit to Benjamin Franklin is another often misunderstood part of the time change phenomenon. His recommendation was originally made in jest as a way to get people out of bed earlier to minimize use of candles and lamp oil. In the US, daylight saving time was first used in 1918 when a bill introduced the idea of a seasonal time shift. Later during World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt re-established the idea calling it “War Time.” War Time began in February 1942 and lasted until the end of September 1945. Various legislation and economic factors saw our country involved in several iterations of time changes, switching from DST back to standard time throughout the years. Although it was an effort to save energy, it’s long been wrought with controversy. 

The current daylight saving period was created with the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which went into effect in 2007. Today, most Americans spring forward (turn clocks ahead and lose an hour) on the second Sunday in March (at 2:00 A.M.) and fall back (turn clocks back and gain an hour) on the first Sunday in November (at 2:00 A.M.).

How to Beat the Short-Day Blues

Everyone loves to “spring ahead” in March, after slogging through a long winter. Having an “extra” hour of daylight is comforting and hopeful to many people. But “falling back” in November is a tougher pill to swallow for many. So how to make the best of it and deal with it the best we can? Try these tips to help you stay upbeat during the winter months. 

• Exercise – Aim for 30-40 minutes a day. Even a brisk walk outside does a body good. The gym is great, but there’s no replacement for getting fresh air and what vitamin D you can get during winter months. 
• Light therapy – Many people who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder find that using a light box helps tremendously. Speak to your doctor to be sure to choose the right style and brightness for optimal results. 
• Eat a healthy, seasonal diet – This sounds like a no-brainer, but it can be a tough season. Halloween candy’s sitting around, suddenly it’s Thanksgiving, followed by holiday cookies and then we’re all on a diet come January 1. Cooking healthy meals for the family increases the odds you’ll all sit together, too. 
• Energize your senses – Many people delve into bright colors during the winter months. This means nail colors, a new shade of paint in the living room, and avoiding drab clothing. Additionally, nurture your spirit with essential oils for the winter months. The right oils can do everything from boosting immunity to promoting relaxation and focus.. 

Adjusting Sleep Schedules for Daylight Saving Time Ending

For lots of people, “springing ahead” is more challenging in the sleep department. But gaining an hour can be as disruptive to sleep systems. It can take the body nearly a week to adjust to the time change. People often experience trouble falling asleep and waking up. Here’s some tips for everyone in the family to wake up refreshed.

• Make gradual schedule shifts – A few days before falling back set your alarm for 15 minutes later each day. That helps your body slowly adjust. 
• This goes for babies too – Put your little ones down 10 minutes later each night for several nights before. You’ll see them adjust best in these increments.
• Room darkening – A dark room helps convince little ones of bedtime when the days become longer in spring. So in the fall, the dark room comes in hand in the mornings. It’s better for parents to control the light during these adjustment periods. 
• Use a sleep clock – Toddlers and young children benefit from sleep clocks to help them understand sleep and wake times. Clocks like this show a sun at wake-up time and a moon at bedtime, or they gradually get brighter when it’s time to wake up. 
• Create a nighttime routine – Adults and children alike get the best quality sleep when they have a solid wind-down routine. Reading (not on screens), a warm bath or a meditation are all good ways to signal to the body it’s time to slow down.
• What to avoid – Caffeine, alcohol and screens. Those are the big three when it comes to relaxation and quality sleep. It can be hard with our busy lives to not fall into patterns of indulging in these close to the bedtime hour. But, your body will be happier if you give yourself a couple of hours to relax naturally. 

Look Forward to the Lights

At this time of year, people can get down in the dumps with shorter days and colder, longer nights. Focus on the positives and making plans with family and friends. Check out events around Jersey City in upcoming posts to keep yourself busy and entertained this holiday season.