But the change of time means that people will get a little more sleep on Sunday morning, there is a negative result.
While daylight saving time is designed to give people One more hour of light in the morning, the reality is that as winter comes and night falls, many people who work indoors find themselves starting and ending work in the dark – there is little chance of seeing the sunlight.
While the coronavirus epidemic is still spreading across Europe and lockdown measures are preventing people from socializing, some will find it particularly difficult this winter.
Exit, even if only for a few minutes
There are huge benefits to going out every day in daylight, even if only for a few minutes. During the working week many people feel as if they are tied to their desk, but a change in scenery can, in short, be a real mood booster.
Walking longer on the weekends can also help to feel reconnected with nature and is a great way to exercise.
Sarita Robinson, deputy head of the School of Psychology and G and Computer Science at the University of Central Lancashire, says getting into the great outdoors feels more positive.
She says, “We know that green space and blue space are very quiet, so wherever the environment looks beautiful it’s really beneficial – so walk along the local river, or if you can go to a beach,” she says. Is.
Then whether you live in a city or an urban environment, going out and seeing things around can still really help – especially if you go out with a “purpose” – for example looking at different species of birds, or species of plants.
“You can find nature in anything,” he adds.
And back when you think you need a mood boost, indoors, SAD light therapy lamps, which are said to emit the same bright light as the sun, but without potentially harmful UV rays, can help.
Improving your sleep
Changing clocks can affect the body’s circadian rhythm, which controls sleep by taking signals from the environment, including sunlight and darkness. Not getting enough sleep can significantly affect mood, make it difficult to focus or be productive.
Everyone can do to improve the chances of a good night’s sleep, such as avoiding stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and mobile phones before bed.
Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things a person can set for the next day – and they recommend it as a priority, says Kentrin Seymour, research head at the British charity Mental Health Foundation.
In a 24-hour society, he says, people may delay going to bed at night to scroll on their phones or do everyday tasks. But it is more important to slow down and get a good night’s sleep.
“It will be more valuable to get extra hours of sleep to help cope with everything this winter,” he says, even more than the extra time at home.
“We sometimes think that depriving an hour of sleep can be a really efficient way to get more time in the day but in the long run that comes with it and harms our mental health.”
And if you feel extravagant in the morning, lighting a lamp will help you feel more refreshed. Similarly for light therapy lamps, sleep lamps work by mimicking sunlight. Loudly, instead of a beeping alarm, an upside down lamp wakes people up as the light slowly gets brighter and brighter.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness and meditation have been proven to help people relax and approach life’s challenges with a more relaxed mindset. Slowing down and focusing on those around you can really help some people better control their worries and anxieties – which many people are experiencing more than ever before due to the coronavirus epidemic.
Meditation does not need to take much time. Taking just five minutes out of your day to focus and concentrate on your breathing can help you reset.
Move your body and take care of it
Exercise not only keeps the body fit and healthy, but has also been shown to improve sleep, mood and vision.
“Getting out and exercising is a great way to maintain your mood – and if you want to beat the blues that exercise in nature, this is a great way to do it,” says Sarita Robinson.
Catherine Seymour adds that as it gets darker, colder and rain outside, the benefits of wrapping and walking are stronger.
“There’s an old saying that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing – and almost no one feels worse after they go for a walk than before,” he says.
“In research we have done how people are coping during an epidemic, the top remedy method is going to walk in nature and pass the time. We know [walking] Really people feel like they can face uncertainty. “
As well as being physically active, eating healthy is also important.
In times of stress and uncertainty it may seem tempting to reach out for junk food – and possibly even booze – but having a healthy, balanced diet is really important.
But that doesn’t mean being strict with you all the time. It’s also important to be kind to yourself, so keep that bar of chocolate when you like it – just don’t forget to eat your five a day.
Sing, dance, and be silly
When you get frustrated, the idea of having fun may seem impossible, but being silly and foolish around you can help you feel less disgusted about the world.
Sarita Robinson says music and a good dance help impress her.
“Another way to boost your mood through exercise is to dance as it gets dark outside while singing along with some energetic music – music is a really powerful mood lifter and if you feel a little less on turning on the radio and out Some power lift ladders are a great way to lift your spirits.
Catherine Seymour agrees that finding time for simple fun is a really great way to motivate yourself.
To get rid of the steam, her kids do a three-minute dance routine throughout the day that they call “go noodles” – and since working from home, Seymour is joining in.
“Getting up from your seat and just being stupid is great for your mental health and well-being. Three minutes later I see my kids sitting down with a smile – it improves everyone’s mood and only you realize you don’t need to. Problems. And seriously hang down the rabbit hole, ”he says.
“It’s a little better to be relaxed – whether it’s dancing, watching Come Madi, or playing board games. Relaxation and silence are a tonic.”
CNN’s Alan Kim and Banu Ibrahim contributed to the report.
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