Benefits of Daylight Saving Time

The early morning of Sunday, March 14th, Daylight Saving Time will officially begin in Canada, meaning we’ll all need to re-adjust our home and body clocks an hour ahead.

While you may lose that extra hour of sleep, Daylight Saving Time can greatly benefit both your mental and physical health in the long-run.

So while you may be dreading the thought of losing an extra hour, remember that warm weather and brighter days are close ahead!

Here are some benefits of Daylight Saving Time that you should look forward to this weekend and in the incoming months:

More Opportunities to be Outside.

Daylight Saving Time is also the sign that the spring is here for many Canadians. This means you’ll see sunlight well into the evening hours. This also gives you more time to do whatever you want or need to do during the day!

Increase in Vitamin D From Sunlight.

Our body produces vitamin D naturally when it’s directly exposed to sunlight, and with more sunlight comes more vitamin D! Research has shown that vitamin D is important in regulating mood and warding off anxiety and depression. So go enjoy the sun, and remember to wear your sunscreen!

Higher Sleep Quality.

Soaking up serotonin and vitamin D from the sun’s rays might also help you get a more restful sleep at night. When you spend more time in the sun, melatonin, a chemical in your brain, is able to lead you more easily into slumber.

Improves Your Mood.

According to some studies, low levels of vitamin D play a role in heightening levels of anxiety and depression.  One study also showed that children who lack vitamin D experienced more anxiety and stress than their peers. 

To combat this, try to get more sun exposure. This will help increase your serotonin, making you feel happier and more energetic throughout the day!

More Ways to Maintain a Healthy Routine.

With longer days and more sunlight, there are more opportunities to maintain a healthy routine. This includes moving around outside, exercising, and travelling on the weekends to new and interesting places.

While you may feel a bit groggy and tired the first few days of Daylight Saving, remember that longer days and warmer weather can boost your mood and can effectively reduce signs of depression and anxiety. So get outside, and get moving! 

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