Fall Back Smoothly!

Hey SoulShiners! This morning, when I rolled over and saw 6 on the clock, I was psyched—I thought I’d slept in! But as I settled back in bed with my coffee, ready to start my morning brain games, I realized it was actually only 5. That extra hour felt like a gift. I love early morning sunlight, so the late sunrise at 7:30 has been a bit of a bummer for me and my mood. I’m all about the early sun and early moon in winter; it makes me feel cozy and gives me a hall pass for going to bed early, curling up with a book by the fire, and making nourishing soups. But not everyone feels the same way, and some of us really miss the afternoon light.

As we “fall back” into standard time, these daylight shifts can affect our sleep, mood, and energy. Here are a few science-backed tips to help keep your rhythm steady and make the most of this cozy season.

To keep your body clock on track, soak up some morning rays. Natural sunlight is key to our circadian rhythm, regulating sleep, wakefulness, and digestion. Try to step outside for some sun in the morning, letting it shine into your soul. A light therapy lamp can help too if you’re inside. Make standing in the sun a priority—go for a walk, hike, ski, or just stand in your yard with arms outstretched, soaking up that lovely vitamin D. A little afternoon sunlight helps you wind down too, setting you up for a restful night. Think of it as nature’s nudge toward the evening’s cozy vibes.

In the evening, keep lights low and warm. Candles, table lamps, or the fireplace all help your body naturally produce melatonin, the sleep hormone. Switch screens to warm tones and avoid blue light for better sleep. Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day, even on weekends, to keep your internal clock steady and make waking up easier.

Remember to stick to regular mealtimes and keep up with exercise to make the transition smoother. Familiar routines keep energy high and sleep quality strong as we settle into the winter season.

Here’s to better sleep, balanced moods, and an energized, soul-shining season!

SoulShine Schedule - Sign up!

* Monday: HIIT @ TLT and on Zoom - 8:15-9:15 am

* Tuesday: Power Pilates @ TLT and on Zoom - 8:15-9:15 am

* Wednesday: Cardio Dance @ TLT - 5:15-6 pm

* Thursday: PiYo @ WAC and on Zoom - 12-1 pm

* Friday: HIIT @ TLT and on Zoom - 8:15-9:15 am

Jode xo