What to know about the 'throwback blues' at the end of daylight saving time – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Ready or not, it's that time again. We fall back to the end of Daylight Saving Time this weekend.

On Sunday at 2:00 a.m., set your clock back one hour.

We have more daylight in the morning hours, but the sun sets earlier and that can mean a weaker mood for some.

Experts say the so-called “relapse blues” don’t just happen in your head.

Even if we gain an hour, it can throw off your body's rhythm at the start of the shortest days of the year.

Experts say the loss of sunlight affects the body's production of mood-regulating hormones like serotonin and melatonin. You could also lose natural vitamin B, which improves your mood, all of which can be made worse by seasonal affective disorder.

“Often people think that (the depression) is due to the holidays, that they are so sad, but maybe it's actually due to the time of year, the weather and the lack of sunlight we get.” The fact that our Days are shorter,” said Denitrea Vaughan of Thriveworks Counseling in Grand Prairie. “Then when you shorten those days, it means: Oh my God, it's already dark. You know, it's like I have to do all of these things in one day. And so it can increase stress levels. It can create fear.” “

Vaughan also suggested getting outside more.

How can you overcome the fall-back blues?

Experts at the Mayo Clinic say there are a few things you can do to offset the effects of the time change on your mood.

• Light therapy: Make your surroundings brighter by opening the blinds and sitting closer to the windows. You can even use a light box to mimic natural outdoor light in the morning.
• Go outside: Take a long walk outside or sit outside to enjoy the sunshine.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood.
• Normalize sleep patterns: Try to get up and go to bed at the same time every day.