Survival Guide to Daylight Savings
By: Camryn Brewer
Even though we gained an hour of sleep, turning back the clocks at 2 a.m. on Nov. 7 only offered a short-lived rejuvenation. It became quickly apparent as the sun set at 5 p.m. that Daylight Savings would disrupt more than our sleep.
Many associate the onset of winter with the return of their “slump.” All of a sudden it feels harder to stick to a routine as the setting sun knocks our mood levels down one too many pegs. Here are my tips for fending off the infamous “slump” as the days get darker:
Don’t just hole up in your room. Get active!
During quarantine, we got our fair share of fad fitness trends like the Chloe Ting videos. Many of the trends were ineffective and did not promote diversified routines. It is recommended that we get at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day, but that doesn’t mean you have to do the same thing each day.
Grab a friend and go for a walk or even try a yoga class. Doing something new keeps you engaged and interested. One day try a run around USC’s campus (don’t worry, no one is judging you!). If you put on your favorite workout music and enjoy the view, that 30 minutes will be up before you know it.
Speaking of music, fight off the winter gloomies with some upbeat tunes.
Whether you’re walking to class or spending another long day in the library, music can lift your spirits. My favorite albums recently are Kali Uchis’ “Isolation,” Dominic Fike’s “What Could Possibly Go Wrong,” Aaron May’s “Chase,” and Mac Miller’s “Divine Feminine.”
If you are looking to ease yourself into the Christmas spirit, I suggest starting with Ariana Grande’s “Christmas and Chill.” A pop-take on the classic Christmas vibe, Grande’s album is sure to draw on holiday nostalgia to help you make it to winter break.
If you’re feeling unproductive, find a new place to do work.
As the days get a little darker and a little colder, it’s important that we avoid retreating to our rooms and hibernating there for the winter. Even the library, as beautiful as Doheny is, can contribute to the dreariness of the winter “slump.”
If the weather is nice enough to get outside, try the tables by Hoffman Hall to watch the magenta dogwoods flutter in the wind. Or, if you like to people-watch as you work, the tables outside of TCC are the perfect perch to watch skateboarders wiz by and run into some friends.
If you are up for an adventure, go exploring for a new secluded spot (and report back, we want to hear about it!). Refreshing your study spot can raise your energy levels just enough to help you finish that paper that’s been bugging you.
When it comes to surviving Daylight Savings, the key is self-care. It is important as we return to a new normal that we continue to take time for ourselves and reconnect with our bodies. That means, at the end of the day, anything you do must be specific to you. It may take a while to specialize your own “survival guide,” but have fun in the process of testing out new things. Do a face mask. Try a new recipe. Try mindful meditation. Refresh your routine, and then share your survival guide with your friends!