5 ways to thrive (and not just survive) as Daylight Savings comes to a close

Daylight Savings Time Concept (Photo: Shutterstock / Romolo Tavani)

America (and other countries) are moving the clock back an hour as the dreaded daylight savings (DST) ends.

As anyone who has encountered this curious phenomenon knows, daylight savings isn't all it's cracked up to be.

In fact, when it gets dark in the middle of the day (think 4:00pm!), it can be downright depressing.

Here are 5 ways to combat the gloom:

1. Make your mornings golden

Instead of fighting that earlier wake-up, lean into it. Put your phone across the room (yes, really), and swap the snooze button for a 5-minute stretch session.

Pro tip: Opening your curtains right away tells your body "it's go time" - even if your mind is saying "five more minutes."

2. *Hack your afternoons

That 3 PM slump hits different during DST. Beat it by taking a quick 10-minute walk outside during lunch. The natural light is like coffee for your brain, minus the jitters. If you're stuck inside, move your desk near a window or take your calls while walking.

3. Own the earlier sunset

Instead of mourning lost daylight, embrace cozy evening vibes. Light some candles and turn dinner prep into a mini party. Or use the darker evenings to finally start that hobby you've been putting off - painting looks way more artistic by lamplight anyway.

4. Change the way you sleep

Create a wind-down ritual that signals bedtime: warm shower, no screens for 30 minutes before bed (TikTok will still be there tomorrow), and maybe some light stretching. Think of it as giving your brain a gentle "time to sleep" nudge.

(This one is my hardest! Watching reels before bed is just soooo tempting!)

5. Weekend like a pro

Don't sleep in until noon - it'll just mess you up more. Instead, force yourself to wake up at the same time every day (We know it's hard!) but treat yourself to a lazy morning in bed with a good book or podcast. Then get outside before noon - the morning light is your secret weapon for staying energized all day.

Remember: This isn't about surviving until spring - it's about finding little pockets of awesome in the seasonal shift. Your body will (hopefully) adjust in about a week if you stick to the plan!

WE KNOW IT'S HARD, but we also know that it's worth it.

Here's to a golden Autumn and an even better Winter.