Spring’s silver lining The sun emerges on a cloudy day, revealing the hope of longer days and warmer weather. PHOTO BY OMAYRA ACEVEDO[/caption]

By now, you’ve probably moved your clocks forward one hour and might find yourself a little sluggish as your mind, body, and spirit adapt to another one of life’s changes. They say it takes an average of one week to adjust to a small time change.

Did you know it can take roughly one month to fully adapt? Especially when there is more than one change on the horizon. The human body is a time-keeping machine that regulates sleep and metabolism.

According to experts, time shift disrupts sleep and circadian rhythms. It takes circadian and sleep rhythms transitioning time to adapt. One of the things recommended is starting to adjust early. But with jobs and families being so demanding, who has time for that?

However, there are small things you can do to help with the changes in time and the seasons. First, be sure to treat yourself kindly. We’re not only springing forward but also entering the unpredictable springtime weather of the mountains, which can take a toll on our stress.

Exercise. Find time for it. Remember that exercise is subjective. A 10-minute walk, several days a week, could be all you need. Some people do well with a late workout, while others do better with a morning fitness routine. Figure out what your body and mind prefer, and stick to it.

Put away electronic devices at least an hour before you plan to go to sleep. Creating a relaxing bedtime ritual like taking a bath, reading a book, meditating, stretching, or sipping on lavender tea while enjoying candlelight paves the way for a good night’s rest.

Also, make sure sleeping quarters are dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Go to bed and wake up at the same time, if possible. Experts also believe that time change affects your sleep, but it all depends on your health, sleep habits, and lifestyle.

Expose yourself to the light this time of year offers. Natural light suppresses the release of melatonin, an organic sleep aid. Consider taking advantage of change, and make this a good time to start taking more consciously healthy steps.

Lastly, be patient. There’s so much in life we can’t control. One thing we can do is remain calm during challenging times.

To learn more about adjusting to time changes visit https://www.webmd.com/sleep- disorders/ features/coping-with-time-changes.