When the clocks shift, it’s more than “just an hour.” Our body’s natural rhythm gets disrupted, and that ripple affects sleep, mood, focus, and even safety.
💡 Why it feels so rough:
- Our brains love routine. Sudden changes can spark stress and irritability.
- Our bodies store stress like a memory. That’s where Somatic Therapy comes in—it helps you notice physical sensations (like tightness, restlessness, or shallow breathing) and gently release them so your body can reset.
- Burnout feels heavier when your system is already fighting to recalibrate.
⚠️ The dangers of time change:
- Spike in car accidents due to fatigue and slower reaction times (Be extra careful for the next week or so!)
- More workplace mistakes — Burnout gets inflamed!
- Mood swings, seasonal depression, and sleep struggles that pile into exhaustion
✨ 5 Ways to Cope Better:
- Anchor your thoughts in truth!🧠: Instead of “I’ll never adjust,” try “My body is recalibrating, and it will settle.” That’s a CBT trick—catching the thought and reshaping it.
- Move with intention 🏃: Gentle stretching, yoga, dance or a walk helps release tension stored in the body.
- Light exposure reset ☀️: Get outside in the morning to reset your rhythm. Bonus: soak up 5 minutes of sunshine on your belly—your body makes natural “feel-good chemicals” like serotonin and vitamin D.
- Breathwork reset 🌬️: Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique:
- Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds
- Hold your breath for 7 seconds
- Exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds Repeat 3–4 rounds before bed. It slows your heart rate, calms your nervous system, and signals your body it’s safe to rest.
- Micro-adjust your schedule 📅: Instead of shifting a full hour overnight, move bedtime and wake-up by 15 minutes each day. Example: If clocks jump forward, go to bed at 10:45 instead of 11:00, then 10:30 the next night. Small steps make big changes easier.
💬 Bottom line: Your mind and body are teammates. Treat them with compassion, add a little sunshine and breathwork, and the transition will feel smoother.
🌟 Big News from Enjoy Counseling Options! 🌟
We’re excited to share that sessions are now available in our brand-new Cullman office 🏢 — and for those across the state, we’re also offering virtual counseling anywhere in Alabama.
At Enjoy Counseling Options, we use therapies that are evidenced based, researched and proven to help you cope with stress and trauma and optional faith-based coping skills!
📅 Now accepting new clients 9 and up! Take the first step toward balance and well-being today.
👉 Message us here or call/text 352-535-0559 anytime to schedule a free 15-minute consultation! Your journey to feeling better starts now.