Daylight Savings Time, which is March 12th this year, is notorious for increasing accidents, so we offered some safety tips this month, along with general health and wellness recommendations. Some additional tips were included from media outlet, The Patch.
Daylight Savings Time
Statistics from the National Safety Council show that motor vehicle accidents increase during this time of year because more people drive while drowsy.
- BEWARE: Use extra caution while working shifts in the days immediately following Daylight Savings Time, after clocks are turned forward one hour.
- Plan on going to bed an hour early the Saturday before Daylight Savings, and try to get seven to eight hours of sleep.
- Avoid alcohol, it may fragment your sleep – and limit your caffeine intake in the late afternoon and evening. Chamomile tea or a glass of warm milk is a better choice.
- Don’t eat a big meal right before bedtime.
- End any exercise sessions at least three hours before bedtime. The energy boost that exercise gives you can cause insomnia.
- Wind down with a relaxing activity, such as a warm bath or shower, gentle stretching, or yoga.
- Let the sun shine in. Experts say that taking in sunlight in the morning improves alertness during the day. You’re also more likely to feel sleepy when it is time to go to bed.
- Turn off all bright lights an hour or two before you go to bed – yes, even the television, your computer and other electronic devices. Read a relaxing book or listen to soothing music instead.
- Take a brief power nap if you need, but longer naps will disrupt your sleep schedule and make it more difficult to adjust to daylight saving time.
- Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary – dark, quiet, well ventilated and at a slightly cooler temperature.
Health is Wealth
Experts agree that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is your best defense against stress and health issues.
- Try to fit at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity into your schedule three to four days a week.
- Eat well-balanced meals – more grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks.
- Avoid cigarette smoking. Nicotine can affect your coordination and concentration whole driving. Cigarettes can cause you to drive unreasonably fast or slow, and may cause you to weave in and out of traffic.
- Smoking and second-hand smoke contribute to lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and general poor health. This adds to the high cost of health insurance for everyone.
