The clocks changing can have an impact on how we feel, from altering our sleep patterns to impacting the way we handle stress - at least temporarily. Here are a few thoughts we’ve had about daylight savings, and how we handle it the spa way.
Twice a year, the clocks change - and socially that tends to mark a point in the calendar where we either feel much more enthusiastic about things, or start to feel the need for hibernation. However, these changes also have an impact on how we feel, from changing our sleep patterns to impacting the way we handle stress - at least temporarily. Here are a few thoughts we’ve had about daylight savings, and how we handle it the spa way.
The most immediate effect of DST is simple: we lose sleep. One study found that people get about 40 minutes less sleep on the Monday after the clocks move forward, which, if you’re anything like us, will leave us feeling a little short changed. For most of us that will ultimately mean feeling a bit more irritable, foggy, or just tired, but In terms of bodily disruption it can look like the following:
Cortisol, often called the ‘stress hormone’, follows a tightly regulated circadian rhythm. It typically peaks shortly after waking (the cortisol awakening response) and gradually declines throughout the day. However, when our sleep is disrupted interferes with this cycle:
Although generally it seems we all adapt quite quickly to daylight savings, the shift does cause disruption, which makes us feel momentarily out of kilter.
The knock-on effect of this disruption is felt in mind and body - for example:
Spa therapies can play a powerful role in helping us to feel more connected with our bodies, and bring us back into balance. It’s not a perfect science; it’s very much about finding things that work for us and help us to remind mind and body that there’s nothing to worry about.
Massage is one of the most effective tools for reducing tension physically and mentally - depending on the massage it can also be a great way to prepare the body for rest. Techniques such as Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone massage can ease muscular tension and stimulate relaxation responses. Naturally, regular massage is especially useful to help soothe physical signs of stress.
Aromatherapy works by stimulating the olfactory system, influencing emotional centres in the brain:
Water-based experiences offer both physical and psychological benefits. They offer an almost meditative experience that slows the mind, and helps you unwind when you’re feeling overstimulated or out of sync.
Beyond stress relief, reconnecting with the natural rhythms of the seasons is a joyful way to attune ourselves with the world around us. Lots of spas offer spa experiences that are a lovely way to help us connect with nature, and get away from the disruption of screens, schedules, and white noise.
Forest bathing is all about mindful immersion in nature - taking the time to notice the sounds and senses around you, in a form of proactive meditation:
Nature-inspired bathing rituals combine water therapy with mindfulness, as well as beautiful skincare that helps you feel pampered and cared for. These rituals encourage stillness and reflection, counteracting the rushed feeling often caused by time changes.
With the Renaissance of open water swimming more of us have a hankering to swim in natural water environments to deepen our connection to nature, and lots of spas have responded with really beautiful experiences, such as:
While not necessarily labelled as a treatment, natural light exposure is central to spa design, and is a carefully considered part of creating spaces that nurture wellbeing from the moment you step inside. It’s one of the reasons we see going to a spa as an immersive wellbeing experience in its own right. Many spas incorporate natural light, open-air spaces, and outdoor experiences to support wellbeing, and that light exposure can be a really important part of helping to improve our mood and sense of wellbeing.
Daylight Saving Time highlights how sensitive our bodies are to even small changes in sleep and light. The loss of an hour disrupts our rhythm even when we know it’s coming, but we all look forward to the lighter days, and embracing the change can be a lovely way to reflect on our wellbeing and how we support it, especially on a spa break.
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