As the seasons change, daylight saving time comes to an end, which mean everyone finally gets that extra hour of sleep that they look forward to. The time change comes with lifestyle changes as well. From readjusting the kids’ school night sleep schedules to getting home from work after the sun is down, this blog is your guide to making the transition out of daylight saving time as smooth as possible. Here’s a quick tip as things get started to keep in mind during the time change: make the most of your waking hours during the weekends!
Bedtime Needs a Blueprint
While you may need to focus more on your kids getting in bed on time for the time change, don’t forget that you need to give your own body time to adjust. Start adjusting the sleep schedules of everybody in the house (and we mean everybody!) several days before the time change in increments of fifteen minutes each day. It’s easier to convince any little ones to hit the hay before the sun goes down if the whole family is involved, so brush your teeth and change into your jammies a little earlier than usual.
To get ready for your new bedtime, set up an evening ritual that works for you. Dim the lights. Read a book. Play some soothing soft rock from a time when you knew the newest fashions and soak the day away in the tub. A dark, quiet, and cool bedroom makes it easy to fall asleep.
It’s important to make a deal with yourself that you’ll still be getting a full night of sleep every night, even if the days are shorter. While this does mean that you’ll be going to bed earlier than you’re used to, it also means that you’ll be able to get out of bed the following morning and take the day by storm.
Sleep Better Than a Baby
To make sure your kids get in bed and stay in bed until morning, it’s important for them to be active during the day. Limit their screen time, as the blue light from devices can make it more difficult to fall asleep. Encourage them to spend time outside by going out with them! Chase them around your backyard while you get your mind off of work. You’ll remind yourself of what you’re working for, and tucker yourself out in the process too! As an added benefit, spending time in the sun regularly (and safely!) serves as a natural mood booster.
Make sure you haven’t had any meals or snacks for two hours prior to bedtime, and you’ll have a better chance of staying asleep through the night. Eat a meal as soon possible when you get home from work. A family dinner is another chance to catch up on each other’s day, and as a bonus, the whole family will have a better night’s rest.
If you get home from work a little later than you’d like, make mealtime easy with weekend meal prep. Spend some of your Sunday putting together enough main and side portions to build a variety of meals throughout the week to keep your family from getting bored from the same chicken and rice every night.
Regarding your weekend, keep this in mind! It’s your weekend, so spend it how you see fit. Enjoy your Saturday morning watching your child’s soccer game, or teach yourself a new skill. You’ll be sure to have a day full enough to make falling asleep that night easy. For more ways to fill your weekend, be sure to like Lennar on Facebook.
