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The stunning colours of Fall are in full swing, and we are now officially in sweater weather. Looking through my window at the beautiful oranges, yellows and reds of Nature, I’m struck with a slight sense of melancholy. This weekend we come up on the end of Daylight Savings Time. For those of us accustomed to the sun setting later in the evening, the shift to shorter, darker days can bring about various challenges, including sleep disturbances, reduced energy levels, and a sense of disorientation. Today, we will delve into the reasons behind this time change, explore the common concerns it can trigger, and present five natural strategies to combat these issues. Additionally, we will discover the soothing world of aromatherapy and unveil the top ten essential oils that can aid in your journey through this transition.
The practice of adjusting our clocks twice a year, commonly known as Daylight Savings Time, has been in place for over a century. Its primary aim is to make better use of daylight and conserve energy. By moving the clocks forward in the spring and backward in the fall, we can align our waking hours with natural daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating during the evening hours.
The thought process of making the most of daylight during waking hours goes back to the late 18th century, when Benjamin Franklin was noted as saying in a satirical essay that adjusting the time would save on candle usage. “An immense sum! That the city of Paris might save every year, by the economy of using sunshine instead of candles.”
However, Daylight Savings Time, was proposed officially by an entomologist from New Zealand, George Hudson, who presented the idea in 1895. It aims to promote energy conservation, increase productivity, and enhance our overall well-being by synchronizing our schedules with the shifting patterns of daylight. The first Canadian city to implement Daylight Savings Time was Port Arthur in Ontario, in 1908. The US followed suit in 1918, however it took until 1966 for laws to come into effect governing the time change.
Whether or not a location follows a Daylight Savings Time protocol can depend on where they are. Some countries and regions see very little shift in the hours of sunlight, and therefore do not change their clocks.
As the clocks fall back, there are several potential challenges that you may encounter:
Sleep DisruptionsThe most common issue during this transition is the disruption of our sleep patterns. With an earlier sunset and a different waking time, our internal biological clock can become desynchronized, making it difficult to adjust to the new schedule. This can lead to insomnia, fatigue, and decreased productivity.
Reduced Energy LevelsThe sudden shift in time can leave us feeling groggy and less energetic. Diminished exposure to natural light can affect our mood and energy levels, potentially leading to a sense of lethargy and even Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Mood Swings and DisorientationThe change in daylight hours can lead to disorientation and mood swings. As our bodies adapt to the new rhythm, some individuals may experience irritability and increased stress.
Health ImpactsStudies have shown that Daylight Savings Time can have various health impacts, including an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and accidents. The abrupt change in the time can also affect our immune system, making us more susceptible to illness.
While Daylight Savings Time can pose challenges, there are several natural strategies to help mitigate its effects. Here are five practical tips to ease the transition:
Gradual AdjustmentStart adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before the time change. Go to bed and wake up 15 minutes earlier each day until you've aligned your body with the new time.
Prioritize Natural LightMake the most of the daylight available. Spend time outdoors during the day, particularly in the morning, to help regulate your circadian rhythm and boost your mood. Go outside as soon as possible in the morning, or invest in a daylight lamp that simulates natural light.
Maintain a Consistent RoutineStick to a consistent daily routine, including regular meal times and exercise. This stability can help your body adapt more smoothly to the time change.
Mindful NutritionPay attention to your diet during this transition. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which can disrupt your sleep patterns. Opt for foods rich in vitamins and minerals that support your well-being. Stop eating three hours before bed to lower the chances of digestive issues being the reason for disrupted sleep.
Aromatherapy for RelaxationUtilize the power of aromatherapy to promote relaxation and emotional balance. Essential oils have been known to offer comfort and tranquility during times of change and stress.
Aromatherapy is a holistic approach to well-being that harnesses the therapeutic properties of essential oils to enhance physical and emotional health. When it comes to navigating the challenges of Daylight Savings Time, aromatherapy can be a valuable tool in your toolbox. Here's how it can help:
Stress ReductionCertain essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile, have calming properties that can alleviate stress and anxiety. Aromatherapy can be used in diffusers, baths, or as part of a massage to promote relaxation.
Uplift Your MoodCitrus oils like lemon and orange are known for their mood-lifting qualities. Inhaling their refreshing scents can help combat mood swings and irritability caused by the time change.
Improved Sleep QualityEssential oils like lavender, cedarwood, and frankincense are renowned for their ability to promote better sleep. Diffusing these oils in your bedroom, using a pillow mist, or incorporating them in a bedtime routine can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful sleep.
Energy BoostPeppermint and rosemary essential oils can invigorate the senses and increase alertness. Using these oils early in the day in a diffuser or applying them topically can help combat fatigue and low energy levels.
If you are seeking natural solutions to navigate the challenges of Daylight Savings Time, here are the top ten essential oils that can be your trusted companions:
Cedarwood (Cedrus virginiana): Cedarwood essential oil can help you to create a peaceful bedtime routine. Not only is cedarwood great for stress relief and promoting relaxation, it can provide support during times of transition.
Chamomile (Chamomeleum nobile): Like a soothing cup of tea under a warm blanket on a cold and rainy day, Roman chamomile essential oil is a natural way to soothe the nerves and promote a peaceful state of mind during the adjustment to Daylight Savings Time. This gentle, floral-tea scented oil can alleviate anxiety and provide a sense of tranquility, helping you to navigate the shift in your daily routine.
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii): Frankincense essential oil is a great choice as our season becomes colder. It is a grounding oil with a deep, woody aroma that can facilitate meditation and deep relaxation. Promote emotional balance and enhance your overall well-being during the transition to Daylight Savings Time with Frankincense.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavender essential oil stands as a soothing and versatile choice for addressing concerns during the time change. Renowned for its calming properties, its gentle floral fragrance helps reduce stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and improved sleep. Lavender essential oil can offer a tranquil sanctuary, supporting you in achieving restful nights and emotional equilibrium in the midst of shifting daylight hours.
Ylang Ylang: Ylang Ylang’s sweet and floral fragrance can help ease tension and promote emotional equilibrium, offering a sense of calm during this transition. It is a mood balancer. Known as an anxiolytic, Ylang Ylang essential oil can be a natural remedy to soothe nerves and maintain a positive emotional state amidst the changing daylight hours and routines.
Eucalyptus globulus (Eucaluptus globulus): Eucalyptus essential oil can be a refreshing and invigorating choice for addressing the challenges at this time of year. With its crisp and revitalizing scent, this oil helps clear the airways and promotes deep, rejuvenating breathing. During the transition to Daylight Savings Time, eucalyptus essential oil can provide an energizing boost, aiding in maintaining alertness and focus in the face of shorter days and changing schedules. Pair this oil with peppermint and rosemary to create a spa like atmosphere in your home.
Lemon (Citrus limon): Lemon essential oil offers a bright and uplifting solution to groggy mornings or sluggish afternoons. Its invigorating citrus scent is known for its mood-enhancing properties, helping to alleviate irritability and promote a sense of vitality. Lemon is antibacterial and will be beneficial in diffuser blends at the change of the season. Stay positive and energized as you adapt to a new daily rhythm with lemon.
Orange (Citrus sinensis): Cheerful and uplifting, orange’s aroma helps combat irritability and provides a burst of vitality. As we adapt to the transition to Daylight Savings Time, orange essential oil can be a natural mood lifter, offering a sunny and positive atmosphere to counteract the potential effects of shorter days and disrupted routines. Use orange oil in the morning or on cloudy days to bring the sunshine into your life.
Peppermint: Boost your alertness and energy levels with peppermint essential oil. Peppermint essential oil is invigorating and can provide a refreshing and revitalizing effect, helping you combat fatigue, even in the face of earlier sunsets and altered schedules. It’s analgesic and head clearing effects will also help you if you are prone to headaches from disrupted sleep.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): During the transition to Daylight Savings Time, rosemary essential oil can be a helpful ally in staying mentally alert and clear-headed amidst the shifting patterns of daylight. Rosemary has the ability to enhance mental clarity and sharpness. Its herbaceous aroma can aid in maintaining focus and cognitive function. Pair it with peppermint for an afternoon boost during your work day.
Try this relaxing pillow mist to help you keep to a sleep schedule during this time of transition.
15 ml Witch hazel
15 ml Water
8 drops Cedarwood
8 drops Lavender
3 drop Ylang Ylang
Combine ingredients into a glass bottle with spritzer. Gently shake before use. Spray once or twice onto the underside of your pillow just before bedtime.
This simple blend of lemon and lavender is great way to start the day with optimism and a boost of energy.
5 drops Lemon essential oil
4 drops Lavender essential oil
Integrating these essential oils into your daily routine can help you ease into the time change with grace and tranquility.
Daylight Savings Time may present its share of challenges, but with an intentional approach, you can minimize its impact on your well-being. By understanding the reasons behind this practice, recognizing the potential concerns it can trigger, and adopting a mindful approach, you can transition into the darker days of winter with grace. Aromatherapy, with its comforting essential oils, can be a valuable tool in your arsenal to make this adjustment in harmony with Nature. Embrace the beauty of the changing season, and remember that, just as nature adapts, so too can you.
Sources
Did Ben Franklin Invent Daylight Savings Time
Disclaimer
Some essential oils come with safety concerns. If you are on mediation, pregnant, nursing, epileptic or have asthma, please reach out to a qualified professional before using essential oils. The information on our website is not intended to cure, diagnose or treat medical conditions, nor is it a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with a physician before beginning this or any other new health care program. The information contained on this site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be substituted for the advice provided by your doctor or other health care professional. If you rely upon any programs or techniques, or use any of the products and services made available by or through the use of our website for decision making, without obtaining the advice of a physician or other health care professional, you do so at your own risk. The views expressed on Standing Stone Wellness have not been evaluated or endorsed by any private or public entity. The information on our website is not legal advice. Please consult with a licensed legal professional for adherence to legal guidelines.
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Peppermint essential oil can be a wonderful addition to you selfcare routine, but there are concerns with this oil that you should be aware of. We’ll dive into the benefits and cautions of peppermint essential oil and how you can enjoy this essential oil safely this season.
