Be ready to learn about Daylight Saving Time (DST) if you’re new to Northern Canada. At this time of year, we all move our clocks forward or backward to maximize the amount of daylight. If you’re considering relocating, Canada’s best mid-sized cities offer great opportunities to settle in while easily adapting to the daylight changes in this region. It’s actually rather easy, and here you can find what it means for you and when to change your clocks and adjust to daylight changes when moving to Northern Canada.
Daylight Saving Time: What is it?
Daylight Savings Time is a strategy used in Canada to maximize daylight hours. We “spring forward” and move our clocks one hour forward in the spring and one hour backward in the fall. With this small adjustment, we may enjoy more daylight in the summer nights and more light in the winter mornings.
Did you know that in 1784, Benjamin Franklin made the initial proposal for Daylight Saving Time? He proposed it as a method to maximize summertime daylight and preserve candles. The contemporary DST, however, wasn’t put into practice until World War I, when nations started using it to save gasoline. If you’re moving to a different place, such as Yukon or parts of Nunavut, you might notice a difference in how time is observed. These regions no longer adjust their clocks and maintain an exact time throughout the year, Pacific Daylight Time. However, more than 70 nations now observe DST in one way or another!
The clocks are reset twice a year:
- Spring Forward: We advance the clocks by one hour on the second Sunday in March.
- Fall Back: Clocks go back by one hour on the first Sunday in November.
Top Tips for Adjusting to Daylight Changes When Moving to Northern Canada
Making the most of the sunshine during the day was the rationale for the implementation of Daylight Saving Time in Northern Canada. However, this practice may interfere with the biological clock. Those who experience this twice-yearly change may find it difficult to fall asleep, and their circadian rhythms will not be in sync with the natural cycles of light and dark. Moreover, if you’re planning a move during this transition, you can check, for example, the Miracle Movers Toronto website. There are real-life stories that can help ensure a stress-free moving process while adjusting to the daylight changes. Here are some tips for staying up to date with daylight changes when moving to Northern Canada.
Adjust the Time You Go to Sleep
During the end of DST, it’s common to get up early yet find it difficult to go to sleep at the appropriate hour. Experts advise staying up late till the wake-up time is modified during these periods. It is important to adhere to the traditional sleep guidelines, which include avoiding screens before bed, avoiding coffee, controlling racing thoughts before they start, etc. You might also reflect on the significance of sleep and learn more about how it relates to your health.
Take Advantage of the Extra Sunlight Hour
Everyone needs to take advantage of the extra hour of sunlight during DST. That is the primary cause behind its inception. A significant portion of the population is seen to experience seasonal depression and unhappiness. Experts advise using light treatment in either artificial or natural light to improve functioning. In these situations, sunshine and exercise can be quite beneficial. If you’re relocating to snowy spots, the best Canadian areas for snow lovers can offer the perfect environment to stay active. Enjoy the outdoors while adjusting to the changes in daylight.
Food Preferences
Consuming meals high in protein during DST will assist control of blood sugar levels and provide energy throughout the day. Adapting to the new meal times may not be simple, but it is an essential trait for proper functioning.
Think About Relaxation Methods
Using relaxation methods is essential to maintain a healthy mind and body amid the many disruptions that the Canada Daylight Saving Time will undoubtedly produce. Deep breathing and particular meditation are two ways to promote tranquility. Many might use these strategies and gradually change their bedtime in the week before the shift. When tension or anxiety flares up during the day, relaxation techniques may also be helpful.
Be Active
Try obtaining that extra dopamine boost over the weekend by engaging in some sweat-producing activities, if not during the week. Exercise lowers cortisol levels and promotes a quicker sleep cycle. It is essential to look after both the mind and the body since they function in tandem. Our body heals itself thanks to our slow-wave sleep. For parents, encouraging physical activity in their kids is also a great way to promote both mental and physical health. In the end, everything comes together; when you do something good for your body, it affects other things.
Final Words
This is a comprehensive list of information regarding adjusting to daylight changes when moving to Northern Canada. The idea was first presented to increase waking-hour productivity; however, it has several negative impacts. To get the most out of the time change, one must adapt. Additionally, as the majority of Canadian provinces follow the US changes, be sure to familiarize yourself with United States Daylight Saving Time. But keep this in mind if you’re ever unsure: March is spring forward, while November is fall back.