Spring Forward and Feel Better!

by Janice Forostiak, Marketing Department

If you’re feeling sluggish and out of sorts this week, you’re not alone. Blame it on the time change. It’s hard to believe moving the clock one little hour forward can mess things up with your body. Even worse, “spring forward” is harder for your body to adjust to than “fall back.” What can you do about it? According to experts, it’s all about circadian rhythms and getting them back on track. What can you do? Here are a few tips from our friends at the Farmer’s Almanac:

1. Allow sunlight into your room soon after you wake, to help “reset” your circadian rhythm.
2. Don’t drink caffeinated beverages after lunch.
3. Exercise in the morning, afternoon or early evening, but not close to bedtime.
4. Dim the lights indoors, an hour before bedtime. Make your bedroom as dark as possible.
5. Listen to soothing, relaxing music to unwind earlier in the evening.
6. Take a warm soak in the tub before retiring.
7. Sip a warm cup of herbal tea to unwind. Herbal teas are noted to have a calming, relaxing, and stress relieving effect.
8. These natural supplements may help you relax and get to sleep: melatonin, magnesium, and valerian. (We recommend you ask your health professional before trying any of these.)
9. Get a chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic patients commonly experience a notable improvement in their quality of sleep. Chiropractic adjustments optimize nervous system function, which regulates your internal, sleep-wake cycles (circadian rhythm).

Finally, drive with extra caution this week because studies show that traffic accidents rise 11% following the time change!