Time change: how to prepare your body and stay the course?

As every year, the time change is scheduled for the night of the last Sunday in autumn. That’s a fact. A time change does not only induce a shift in our clocks. This brings about quite an upheaval in our lives during the transition period. Even throughout the entire new season if we do not prepare for it in advance.

The transition to wintertime will therefore not be trivial this time either. New season, that means new habits, new diet, new adaptations… We’ll have to start all over again! All of this can be exhausting. Luckily, there are nutrients that help keep you in shape and kickstart the new season.

A time change… but not only

Don’t you find that weird? The transition to wintertime saves us an hour of sleep, but it’s exactly when we are most tired. We sleep badly, we feel sluggish and there are more chances of catching winter infections such as the flu, bronchitis, and gastroenteritis… Have you ever wondered why?

What does the time change really consist of?

This happens twice a year in several countries. In mainland France, the practice was officially adopted in 1975. In the spring, the clock is advanced by one hour to switch to summer time and in the fall, it is delayed by one hour to switch to winter time.

Complicated all that? Not really. In practice, all you have to do is advance your clock by one hour on the last Sunday in March and set it back by one hour on the last Sunday in October.

If you’re wondering what all this is for, you can imagine that we also asked ourselves the question. This tradition was established to save energy following the oil crisis of 1973-1974. During this period, the price of oil skyrocketed, so the time difference made it possible to take advantage of an extra hour of natural sunlight and reduce the energy expended.

Today, we wonder if this energy saving is still relevant with the popularization of low-consumption lighting.

Anyway, we are right in it and we will have to adapt.

The transition to winter time: what will be its impact on your body?

If the change only caused a simple jet lag, no one would worry about it. Unfortunately, our whole body is affected. For those who are used to a given pace, you will have to readapt each time. A new routine for bedtime, meal times, waking up, and all other activities. And for our body to get used to it again, it usually takes a few days.

In most cases, the time change is a source of additional fatigue. Many people struggle with regulating their biological rhythms and getting restful sleep.

Here’s how things go. Sleep operates on a 24-hour cycle. During the time change, melatonin, the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake rhythm is affected by the changing length of the day. This can cause sleep disturbances.

And who says difficulty falling asleep says fatigue, reduced work capacity, attention disorders, mood disorders… It only lasts a few short days and some people are more affected than others. Even more the elderly, babies and sick people, or those with a weakened immune system.

Whatever happens during the transition period, you have to keep up the pace. And above all, don’t let yourself get hurt. Fortunately, certain nutrients help to stay in shape.

Stock up on vitamins and nutrients to prepare for the time change

To cope with the consequences of the time change and stay on course, our diet must provide us with the nutrients necessary to stay healthy and stay in shape.

vitamins

Needless to say how essential vitamins are to keep up. So be sure not to miss it during this period. Certain vitamins in particular are suitable for the time change.

• Vitamin B1: it contributes to the smooth running of normal physiological functions. Ideal to help all your organs to function normally. In addition, it ensures the assimilation of other nutrients.
• Vitamin B6: it contributes enormously to the reduction of fatigue and to the normal functioning of the immune system.
• Vitamin C: it is known to fight against fatigue, increase tone and strengthen immunity. Ideal for low diets.
• Vitamin D: it is essential for bone capital, the proper functioning of muscles, and the strengthening of immune defenses.

Melatonin

Melatonin is the quintessential sleep hormone. It is used to treat insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders. This reduces the time it takes to fall asleep. Melatonin supplementation would therefore be ideal for regulating the biological clock and reducing the effects of the time change.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a trace element with many benefits for the body. It contributes enormously to reducing physical and nervous fatigue. It is the anti-fatigue par excellence. In addition, it helps to fight against stress and to have quality sleep. But this nutrient is not synthesized by the body itself and does not store it either. Supplementation would therefore be a good solution to stay on course during the time change.

Royal jelly

We say thank you to the bees for this marvel. Royal jelly is the nutrient you absolutely have to try for every change of season. Rich in proteins, minerals, and trace elements, it is perfect for boosting immunity and fighting stress, and physical and emotional fatigue.

Grapefruit seeds

The change of season is a time conducive to winter infections. All the more reason to strengthen your defenses in a natural way. The grapefruit seed extract is a concentrate of active ingredients with broad properties: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral.

Valerian

Valerian is a plant that has been used for years to treat mild sleep disorders. It helps in relaxation and soothes the nervous system. Its calming and relaxing action will certainly help you get a good night’s sleep during this transitional period.

Turmeric and fenugreek

Apart from our waking and sleeping habits, our appetite phases are also affected by the change of seasons. Who says the new season says change of diet. This can cause loss of appetite. Turmeric is known to stimulate the appetite. Fenugreek, on the other hand, promotes appetite. Two natural active ingredients that you can incorporate into your diet.

Be prepared for the change to wintertime

The time change greatly impacts the body before it readjusts. With all the advice given in this article, you will put the odds on your side to limit the impact of the time change and the transition to a new season on your body.

But in addition to the vitamins and nutrients mentioned, remember to have a varied and balanced diet, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, hydrate yourself properly, and practice physical activity regularly. So you will definitely be ready to attack the winter in great shape!