The calendar marks spring's approach with our annual ritual of moving clocks forward, but our bodies aren't quite as adaptable as our digital devices. That lost hour disrupts more than just our Sunday morning—it sends waves through our biological rhythms that can linger for days or even weeks.

The Real Cost of "Springing Forward"

Recent research highlights just how significantly this time change affects us. According to Dr. Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Pittsburgh, the shift to Daylight Saving Time "disrupts sleep and leads to measurable adverse outcomes," including increased heart attacks in the days following the change.

This isn't merely about feeling tired—it's about our fundamental wellbeing. The time change disrupts our circadian rhythms, which regulate everything from hormone production and metabolism to alertness and mood. Studies show a concerning spike in traffic accidents, workplace errors, and even suicide rates in the weeks following the time shift.

When our internal clocks are thrown off balance, we experience what many call "social jet lag"—a disconnect between our biological needs and social schedules that can manifest as irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a general sense of unease.

Embracing Hygge as Your Anchor

This is precisely when hygge—the Danish art of creating warmth, connection, and well-being—becomes not just appealing but essential. Hygge isn't merely about cozy blankets and candles (though these certainly help); it's a mindful approach to finding comfort during challenging transitions.

Here are some gentle ways to navigate this period using hygge principles:

1. Honor Your Natural Rhythms

• Gradual transitions: Rather than forcing an abrupt change, adjust your bedtime in 15-minute increments over several days.
• Morning light immersion: Open curtains immediately upon waking or step outside for a few minutes of natural morning sunlight, which helps reset your circadian clock.
• Evening wind-down: Create a soothing bedtime ritual with dimmed lights, herbal tea, and disconnection from screens at least an hour before sleep.

2. Create Pockets of Comfort

• Morning sanctuary: Place a soft chair by your brightest window with a warm throw, creating a gentle space to ease into your day with a book and warm beverage.
• Sensory comfort: Introduce calming scents like lavender or cedarwood through candles or essential oils to signal to your body it's time to relax.
• Tactile pleasure: Switch to softer, more comforting textiles—perhaps linen sheets, a chunkier knit throw, or the season's first light cotton sweater.

3. Nourish Deeply

• Warming foods: Embrace simple, nourishing meals that ground and comfort—think root vegetable soups, slow-cooked stews, or warming grain bowls.
• Mindful eating: Use mealtimes as an opportunity to slow down, perhaps lighting a candle and savoring each bite without distraction.
• Hydration rituals: Create a special spot for a water carafe with slices of citrus or cucumber, making hydration an act of self-care rather than an afterthought.

4. Connect Meaningfully

• Small gatherings: Host an early dinner with friends where everyone brings something comforting to share.
• Nature communion: Take slow walks at dusk to witness the lengthening days, perhaps gathering spring blooms or branches to bring home.
• Shared quiet: Invite a loved one to sit in comfortable silence—reading side by side or simply watching the changing light of early spring.

Small Changes, Profound Impact

Dr. Fong-Isariyawongse notes that "keeping our clocks aligned with the natural cycle of the Sun" could "save lives, prevent accidents and improve mental well-being." While we can't individually change policy, we can create personal environments that honor our natural rhythms.

Consider this perspective: rather than fighting against the disruption, use it as a seasonal prompt to deepen your hygge practice. The transition to Daylight Saving Time can become a biannual reminder to reassess how we're caring for ourselves and those around us.

As you move through these next few weeks, be gentle with yourself. Notice the moments when you feel most centered and the environments that support your wellbeing. Perhaps the greatest hygge practice of all is this mindful awareness—the quiet acknowledgment of what brings you back to balance.

How are you navigating the Daylight Saving transition? Share your hygge-inspired rituals with our community in the comments below.

References:  
Fong-Isariyawongse, J. (2025, March 7). Daylight saving time and early school start times cost billions in lost productivity and health care expenses. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/daylight-saving-time-and-early-school-start-times-cost-billions-in-lost-productivity-and-health-care-expenses