Jobhop Jobhop's blog : How to Stay Productive and Positive at Work When the Clocks Go Back

Drizzly weather, dark mornings and the electric blankets are out, it can only mean one thing; autumn is here. And with the golden leaves and pumpkin spice everything comes the inevitable question; when do the clocks go back?

With the bleak weather and the dark mornings, you would be forgiven for thinking that they've already gone back.

We all want that extra hour in bed, so, when do the clocks go back?

This year the clocks will go back an hour on Sunday 29th October. This is when Britain will revert back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) from British Summer Time (BST).

Will I gain or lose an hour of sleep?

When the clocks went forward in March we lost an hour of sleep - which means come October 29th, we will get an extra hour in bed on Sunday morning.

The clocks will go back one hour at 2 am on Sunday morning. But be aware, while your phone and other internet-connected devices will automatically update, many clocks in your home and car will not. So it's best to do a check of your clocks and watches when you wake up on Sunday morning to avoid turning up an hour early for whatever you're doing that day.

I could spend all day arguing about the advantages of Daylight Savings Time, but the fact of the matter is this: For many of us, it's dark outside by 4 pm in the autumn and winter months. So, the real question is, how do you stay productive when you feel like you should be going to bed?

The commute to work is dark. The trip home, also dark. It's freezing and everyone around you is coughing and sneezing. How can we combat the elements and stay productive while autumn and winter rage on?

Take a look at these 11 tips and tricks for not only keeping your eyes open, but also being the most productive person in the office when it looks like night time, but you still have hours to go...

1. Maximise your morning

Since you've got less daylight in the evening hours, the most obvious way to make the most of your day is to start it earlier. The morning boost that you get from your early morning workouts could be just the thing you need to keep you going when the sun goes down (way too early). Being consistent with morning workouts or walks is a good goal to have during Daylight Savings Time. You'll definitely feel more energised and boost your serotonin levels for the day ahead.

2. Let in the light

Once you've made it out of bed, open the curtains or blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. If you have the option, step outside and breathe in some fresh air while soaking up the sunlight. The light will help to stimulate your brain, releasing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine which lift your mood. If you have to be up before sunrise try waking up with a light emitting alarm clock. These clocks mimic a sunrise to gently wake you up 'naturally' with light. Alternatively, you could purchase a SAD light. The theory behind these is that they effectively replicate sunshine, as a result, they give the user a positive response when they're lacking sunshine.

3. Eat right

Avoid refined sugary foods and ensure that you drink plenty of water. Food can affect your mood and energy levels, so it's important to provide your body with the fuel that it needs to keep you going. Whether you eat a couple of bits of fruit a day or just drink an extra glass of water each day, it's important to eat healthy - especially during the months where 'comfort' food seems like the best option.

4. Get active and rest up

Exercise is a widely accepted mood enhancer, it reduces stress, improves sleep and can boost endorphin production. Taking a brisk walk down the road on your lunch break instead of camping at your desk will not only increase your blood flow, making you more alert, it will also improve your mood. Even a brief ten minutes of fresh air can make a world of difference to your outlook on your workday. Sleep is an equally important factor - it's crucial to allow your body the rest it needs to rejuvenate and give you energy for the next day at work.

5. Turn up the heating

If your office is always a bit chilly, chances are that you'll start feeling sluggish and unproductive; you will be focusing on trying to get warm instead of on your work. It's important to ensure that your working environment is comfortable, so find a temperature that everyone is happy with and stick to it.

6. Plan ahead

Setting small, reasonably achievable goals throughout the day will ensure a sense of accomplishment after each task is completed. You will be able to clearly see what the next step in each of your projects is and how much time you will need for each step. Punctuating your day with new tasks or doing something that challenges you will allow you to use your initiative and stop the sluggish feeling from creeping in.

7. Keep an eye on the weather

If you know to expect frost overnight, or are able to plan ahead for rainy days, you will be more likely to get to work on time and start the day on a more positive note. Make sure you check the weather reports and send your colleagues a weather update when you know there is a chance of extreme climates that may affect their commute or their breaks.

8. Tidy up

Working in a messy environment can leave you feeling stressed and disorganised. Take ten minutes out to clean up your inbox or file that paperwork that's been sat on your desk for weeks. This way you'll have a clearer picture of what you have left to do and how to plan your next move, making you feel more in control and therefore more motivated.

9. Keep germs at bay

Coughs and colds are far more common in the winter than in the summer. There is a great importance to be aware of good hygiene and use hand sanitisers and soap during winter. The more time you spend out of work due to illness, the further behind you will feel and the more stressful it will be when you eventually return to your desk.

10. Stick to the same routine

If you summer evening routine included a gym class and then dinner, followed by an hour or two of catching up on your favourite Netflix series before you hit the hay, the best thing you could do to keep yourself motivated and on track is to keep doing exactly that. Similar to adjusting to jet lag, it's wise to keep eating your meals at the same time, go to sleep at the same time and to wake up at the same time. This will ensure that you won't feel especially fatigued during the first few weeks of Daylight Savings Time. However, if you're one to really feel the effects of Daylight Savings Time, then I would suggest adjusting gradually by going to sleep 15 minutes earlier than your usual time and then another 15 minutes earlier the next day, until it becomes your new normal, in order to help boost your energy levels.

11. Take on a hobby

One thing that can really get us down during the dark winter months is feeling like we have nothing to look forward to. Summer is filled with outdoor after work plans and holidays. But come autumn/winter time, our social calendar begins to dwindle, and we feel less motivated. When it's dark outside and you have nothing to look forward to, life can be a bit depressing. Find what excites you and find what lights you up with passion and work towards that dream. Whether it's finally starting a blog, trying that new class or taking up a sport, you're going to be spending most of your time inside thanks to this weather - so you might as well pick up something you like doing!

How do you stay productive during the cooler months? Do autumn and winter affect your productivity?