Here Comes the Sun!

Jessica Vincent
Mar 19
2 min read

The seasons are constantly changing. It gets dark early in the winter and it stays light outside longer as we approach summer. I have struggled with seasonal depression for a lot of my life. Every time the seasons change, I become more depressed. I hate change. A lot of us recovering drug addicts and alcoholics despise change and as the seasons go by, we are forced to deal with change.

It is now March of 2025. We have entered into daylight savings time. Once again, we are dealing with change right now. But there is good news! There are ways to adapt to daylight savings which can help you avoid negative feelings and depression. You may still feel a little down, but if you try some of these things out, you might feel just a little bit better.

Below are some of the things I have done to help me adapt to daylight savings and I hope you take it upon yourself to try some of these as well.

Start shifting your bedtime
- Begin adjusting your bedtime by 15-20 minutes earlier each night. If you usually go to bed at 10PM, start going to bed at 9:45 PM, then 9:30 PM, and so on until you are at your new bedtime.
Maintain consistent sleep and wakeup times
- Even on weekends, aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time to help regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
Spend time outdoors during brighter hours
- A short walk in the morning can help you feel more alert and regulate your body clock.
Avoid late-night snacking or caffeine
- These can interfere with sleep and make it harder to adjust to the new schedule.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine
- Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading or taking a warm bath.
Stay hydrated
- Dehydration can lead to fatigue and make it harder to adjust to the time change.
Be mindful of your mental health
- The time change can sometimes lead to mood swings or anxiety, so be sure to take care of yourself and reach out for help if needed.