Clock These Six Daylight-Saving Tips

At 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 5, daylight saving time will end and we will set our clocks back one hour. While you enjoy the extra hour of sleep, the later sunrise and earlier sunset will make the days feel shorter and darker. Follow these tips to thrive in your transition from the fall to winter season.

When dusk becomes night, find a light

As we fall back to standard time, it will get darker earlier. What once was a pretty sunset turns into utter darkness, which can be disorienting. If you’re a

• Driver– Pay extra attention to pedestrians and cyclists and remember to park in well-lit areas.
• Cyclist– Fit out your bike with front and back reflectors and bike lights so you can see the road and others can see you. Consider adding reflective clothing to your bike kit as well. 
• Pedestrian– Walk in groups on well-lit paths whenever possible. 624-WALK and Rave Guardian are available 24/7 to help you safely reach your destination.

If you’re on campus and notice a broken streetlight, call Facilities Management at 612-624-2900 with the location and ID number on the pole. Check out Safe Campus for info on reporting outages off campus. 

Beat the seasonal blues

Have you ever heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? The changing seasons can mean our emotions do too. Don’t ignore feelings of hopelessness and fatigue. Practice self-care by

• Upping your sleep game– Improve your sleep quality by sticking to a bedtime routine to wake up feeling refreshed. 
• Mimicking sunlight– Don’t let dull skies sap your energy and make use of the light therapy lamp stations at Walter and Magrath Libraries.
• Talking it out– Meet with a professional counselor through Let’s Talk for students or the Employee Assistance Program for faculty and staff. 
  • If you need immediate support call the U of M Crisis Line at 612-301-4673 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

Pro tip: Remember to roll back those analog or appliance clocks before you go to sleep!