Tips I’m Suggesting: Managing the Daylight Saving Time Change
This weekend, we turned our clocks back one hour as daylight saving time came to an end. While gaining an extra hour of sleep sounds like a great deal, even a small change to our daily schedule can temporarily disrupt our body’s internal clock.
Our circadian rhythm regulates many important functions, including sleep, energy levels, hormone production, and alertness. When we change our clocks, our bodies don’t necessarily adjust immediately.
Here are a few strategies I’m using and recommending to make the transition easier:
1. Get outside first thing in the morning. Morning sunlight is one of the most powerful signals for regulating our circadian rhythm. Try getting outside for 10–20 minutes shortly after waking up. Natural light helps signal to your brain that it’s time to be awake and can support better sleep at night.
2. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Although we gained an extra hour, resist the temptation to dramatically change your bedtime or wake-up time. Consistency is one of the most important factors in maintaining healthy sleep patterns.
3. Exercise during daylight hours. Physical activity helps regulate energy levels, mood, and sleep quality. With the sun setting earlier, consider moving your workout to the morning or lunchtime whenever possible. Even a short walk outside can make a difference.
4. Be intentional about evening light exposure. As bedtime approaches, dim the lights and reduce exposure to bright screens. This helps your body prepare for sleep naturally.
5. Don’t rely on caffeine to compensate for fatigue. As I shared in a recent Trending Tuesday, I’ve eliminated caffeine from my daily routine and noticed significant improvements in my energy consistency and overall physiology. Rather than using stimulants to push through fatigue, consider prioritizing sleep, hydration, movement, and natural light.
My takeaway: Your body thrives on rhythm and consistency. Small adjustments to your daily habits can make seasonal time changes much easier to navigate.
Charity We’re Supporting: San Diego Food Bank Canned Food Drive
One of the things I love most about our community is how willing people are to help one another. This month, we’re supporting the San Diego Food Bank through a canned food drive at Aligned Life Chiropractic & Wellness. As we approach the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in our own schedules, responsibilities, and celebrations. But this is also an important time to remember that many families in our community are struggling to put food on the table.
Food insecurity affects people from all walks of life, including working families, children, seniors, and individuals facing unexpected financial challenges. The good news is that something as simple as donating a few cans of food can help make a difference.
We’re encouraging our patients, friends, and families to participate by bringing nonperishable food donations to our office.
Please make sure donated items are unopened and within their expiration dates. We are accepting donations at the office until Nov 21st. Thanks for being the example once again team!
Quote I’m Repeating: Chase Sunrises, Not Parties
“At some point, you realize that chasing sunrises brings you more happiness than chasing the next party.”
I’ve been thinking about this idea quite a bit lately. When we’re younger, it’s easy to associate having fun with staying out late, partying, and constantly looking for the next exciting experience. And there’s certainly nothing wrong with enjoying time with friends, celebrating, or having fun. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed that the things bringing me the greatest satisfaction have changed. I find myself increasingly drawn toward early mornings, physical activity, time outdoors, meaningful conversations, and experiences that leave me feeling better afterward rather than worse.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about waking up early, feeling rested, and having the energy to take advantage of the day ahead. Whether it’s getting outside for a run, riding my bike, spending time with my family, or simply enjoying a quiet morning walk before the world gets busy, these experiences have become some of my favorites.tion, embracing the process, and finding joy in living a life aligned with our values.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re looking to improve your posture, recover from an injury, move better, or simply feel healthier, we’d love to help.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our care, please reach out.
Call: (858) 521-8022
Email: alignedlifewell@gmail.com
We look forward to helping you build a healthier, more active life.
Have a healthy week everyone!
In Health,
Dr. Devin Shea, DC
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