Wellness Wednesday Launches This Week

It's that time of year to set your clocks back an hour, bust out your winter gear, and start registering for snowboarding lessons :)

This Sunday, November 7th officially kicks off the start of Daylight Saving Time. The good news is that we'll gain an extra hour of sleep but on the flip side, it'll get darker sooner and for some, seasonal depression begins to creep in. Here are some tips that will help adjust more smoothly.

1. Just because you gain an extra hour, don't stay up later than usual.

Go to bed at your usual time to avoid messing with your internal clock. Set your alarm as you usually would and fight the temptation to stay up late and binge-watch your favorite TV show or movie.

2. Use a dawn simulator.

If you want to feel well-rested consider getting a dawn stimulator to help wake you up and put you to bed. The light mimics sunrise, gradually waking you up and easing you into the day. It's also a helpful device for shift workers or those experiencing jet lag.

3. Skip the caffeine.

As the week progresses, you may become sleepy earlier than usual in the evenings. Let slumber kick in naturally and avoid drinking caffeinated drinks past lunchtime.

4. Let there be light.

Some people are affected by the diminishing daylight during the fall and winter months and find themselves experiencing bouts of depression (also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder). Use a light therapy device to ease the transition to darker days.

5. Get active and take your vitamin D!

The fall and winter months can make it challenging to work out but try getting active by going on a walk, going snowshoeing, or tubbing at Snoqualmie Pass! The fresh air, sunlight, and physical activity will make you feel better. And don't forget to consult with your physician regarding taking a daily vitamin D supplement or adding more foods like mushrooms into your weekly diet.

Lastly, this Wednesday we're launching our new fitness program called Wellness Wednesday - a live virtual fitness class offered at 12pm PST every week on Zoom. The first class is *FREE* and you can sign up HERE