For some of us, the annual forwarding of the clocks has begun with Daylight Savings now in place, or some of us might already be enjoying the benefit of the sun for a few extra hours after the working day subsides.
Making the most of the extra daylight is a small thing you can do which might boost your mood. Whilst your energy might still need some extra motivation and after a long day at work, Netflix is calling your name, it can be all too easy to let that date with your local run club, walk with the dog or even catch up with a friend take a rain check.
So, what are some things that can help you make the most of your 5-9 after your 9-5?
In this blog, we’ll explore how the extra daylight can positively impact our health, and give some guidance on what you can do to maximize the seasonal change.
GET CHANGED OUT OF YOUR WORK CLOTHING
Straight away! When you physically change into a new outfit (such as your running gear), you’re giving yourself a visual reminder that you’re committed to working out and helps you hold yourself accountable.
After you’ve changed out of those clothes you have been wearing all day and step into your running shoes, you’ll feel way worse about backing out.
GET OUTSIDE
More light in the evenings also gives many people more of an opportunity to go outside at the end of the day. While the physical and mental health benefits of doing exercise are well known, simply being outdoors in nature can improve our wellbeing.
You might also have other obligations like family, relationships, maybe pets, and more which could be more of a reason to get out and about and enjoy the sun with them.
TACKLE THOSE NEVER-ENDING ERRANDS
With that extra hour up your sleeve, you have an additional hour to catch up on that list of errands that keeps growing! Have you been wanting to clear out your wardrobe in prep for summer? Use that hour to do just that. Need to go to the shops to pick up those groceries you didn’t get a chance to get on the weekend? You’ve got a whole hour to knock that out.
What will you do with that extra bit of time? How will it make your tomorrow better? Constant growth and improvement are exactly what wellness living is about.
USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM
Instead of making plans to meet up with a friend over pizza and drinks, schedule to catch up at a run club or fitness class – THEN go for food and drinks (you know – since you have that extra hour).
Motivation is doubled when you include a friend, and you will most likely not want to cancel on them if you have both pre-scheduled it.
TRY NEW RECIPES
Nutrition is super important, and often after work when it’s already dark we feel as though we need to rush to make something for dinner or order from a delivery service, scoff it down, prep lunches for the next day all before getting some shut eye to tackle the next day.
Get your head around some new recipe ideas to treat your family and loved ones, and make some extra for those work lunches through the week! Feeling good from the outside is only just the beginning, starting from the inside will give you the fuel you need to keep going.
Better nutrition = better health.
To make the most of your time after work, prioritize activities that rejuvenate your mind and body while nurturing your interests and connections. Make the most of these longer, warmer summer nights and break the habit of getting home and melting into the couch, guarantee you will start to see and feel the effects take place physically and mentally in no time.
