Daylight Savings Time – 4 Ways to Find Your Lost Hour
Mondays get a bad rap. They always come too soon and they always last too long. But this coming Monday is perhaps the worst one of the year because at precisely 2 AM on Sunday morning, you'll lose an hour thanks to Daylight Savings Time. That means in a split second, 2 AM will magically become 3 AM—unless, of course, your house is full of analog clocks. While the time change will give us an extra hour of sunlight and, within a few weeks time, budding trees and blooming flowers, it'll also take from us a precious hour of sleep. So to make this Monday feel a little less like Monday, we've put together four ways to help you regain the hour you'll lose.
Be Late for Work
Ok, we know being late for work isn't an option for everyone, but if you've got a little flexibility take advantage of it today. Why? You can literally blame your tardiness on your alarm clock. Maybe you didn't hear it go off. Or, better yet, maybe you use an actual alarm clock instead of your iPhone and really did forget to "spring ahead." Whatever the excuse, most bosses won't think the world is coming to an end if you lose an hour of your work day because you lost an hour of sleep.
Eat Breakfast in Bed
Ditch your regular AM routine and take things nice and slow this morning. Instead of making an elaborate breakfast or frantically running through a drive through for an extra frothy latte, pour a bowl of cereal and sip a cup of coffee from the comfy confines of your bed. The extra time under the covers will let your mind slowly wake itself up and prepare for the day ahead. Think of it as early-morning mediation with a side of toast.
Trade Running for Restorative Yoga
If your regular exercise routine typically involves logging mile after sweaty mile on a tread mill, give it a rest today. Your body will thank you for it. Instead of lacing up your sneakers, walk barefoot into a yoga studio and lie down for an hour of restorative yoga. If you've never tried it, you're in for 60 glorious minutes of slow movements, deep breaths and lots of relaxation.
Make Happy Hour a Night Cap
It's no secret that knocking back a couple drinks can help, well, knock you out. But, while you may feel like alcohol helps you fall asleep faster, too much before bedtime often leads to a night of tossing and turning. So in lieu of happy hour with coworkers or friends, head home after work and sip a glass of red wine. Limiting your intake will help you disconnect after a long day back in the office without affecting your sleep. Bonus: red wine contains resveratrol which has been linked to better healthy and longevity—now that should put a spring in your step!