Dealing with Daylight Savings
By Merritt Sullivan
Alas, we’ve reached the time of the year when the sun sets before 5:00 pm. To me, the end of daylight savings really kicks off the beginning of fall. While it means an extra hour of sleep for one night, it also means shorter days, holidays, and finals are approaching. The early sunsets signify all these variables which can cause a lot of stress. For college students, a majority would agree in saying that this time of year is when stress ramps up. This past weekend daylight savings made me feel more rested, but also stressed for this upcoming winter season. It is very common for many to experience a decline in mood with the decline of light.
Now that we’ve adjusted to the one-hour time difference, many people find they experience the doldrums of winter gloom. Many, including myself, find it hard to focus or feel motivated during this time. Every year I forget how much I am impacted by the lack of sunshine. Obviously, there is no way to control this reality and it’s predictable every year. It is extra important to take care of your mental health and well-being; so many people are affected by the absence of vitamin D. This time is also hard because the weeks in the semester are winding down and the workload is increasing. While it was nice for a single day to gain an hour of sleep, we need to acknowledge the emotional and mental effects of less sunlight and find ways to adapt.
A good way to avoid the harsh impacts is to get as much sunlight while it’s out. The sun rises around 6:30 am so set your alarm earlier to start your day with the sun or take a break and go for a walk outside. Maintaining an active schedule is also important. Whether it's making sure to get in a workout or simply walking outside, any form of movement is beneficial. Getting involved in extracurriculars can also serve as a good distraction to the dark days. But don’t fill your schedule with too many distractions to cope with the darker days, it is important to allow yourself to move through the healthy cycle of nature. The fall and winter months allow for a time of rest, reflection, and letting go of the old to make space for the new. Give yourself permission to relax, settle down, and decompress.
Motivation is another aspect that can be a struggle during this time of year. Create specific tasks to make the days feel purposeful and structured. Find pockets of sunshine to add to your day. While something like the lack of daylight might seem like a minor factor affecting emotional and mental health, it is not uncommon to feel down. Be proactive about combating the heavy mood that winter can bring! Do not be ashamed to experience these feelings or emotions; lean on your friends or reach out for help. You got this!
