Ways to Take Advantage of Your Extra Hour This Daylight Saving

Gain more than just an hour with these good for you things to do with the time change

From the LifeMinute.TV Team

November 4, 2021

We may be losing an hour of daylight on November 7th when we set clocks back an hour for Daylight Saving, but here at LifeMinute, we like to see it as an hour more to seize your day. Here are some things you can do to make the most of it.

Catch up on Your Z’s
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and Sleep Research Society (SRS) recommend adults get seven or more hours of sleep per night. Daylight Savings ending is the perfect time to do it. Turning back the clock gives you one more hour to sleep in, and since it gets darker earlier, you can turn in sooner too. Light plays a big role in regulating circadian rhythm, the body's internal clock, which signals when to be alert and when to rest. Because it gets darker sooner because the sun is setting earlier, the darkness can help synchronize your circadian rhythm to an earlier bedtime.

Whip up a Meal
Nothing tastes better than a homemade meal, especially breakfast. The extra hour in the morning gives you more time to make your first meal of the day or meal prep lunch or dinner. Not only can it save you money, but research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found people who frequently cook meals at home eat healthier and consume fewer calories than those who cook less.

Sneak in a Workout
There’s no more making excuses for not having time to hit the gym or do a home workout. Research shows just 30 minutes of physical activity a day is enough to improve health and lose weight. That even gives you time to get in a shower after! Just walking can do wonders.

Take a Moment to De-stress
According to the Global Organization for Stress, 75% of adult Americans have reported experiencing moderate to high stress levels within a month. If you are one of the many people feeling that type of pressure, take the bonus hour to decompress before or after your day, whether it be a morning meditation or reading a book before bed. Here are some of our best ways to beat stress and tackle anxiety. 

Pick up a Hobby
Are you looking for something new to try? Now is the time. Research from the National Institutes of Health found engaging in enjoyable leisure activities is beneficial for health and well-being. Gardening, baking, crafting, sports, and practicing yoga are just some of our ideas.