Wintertime in Tenerife en in the other islands is around the corner, meaning we all need to turn our clocks back one hour.
Here’s a tip to help remember the difference between daylight saving time and standard time: in spring, you move the clock forward an hour, and in autumn, you turn it back an hour.
Two o’clock becomes one o’clock
This weekend, the Canary Islands are preparing to switch to wintertime, an adjustment that will affect both the clock and people’s moods. This change, implemented across the European Union, aims to make optimal use of daylight.
On the night of Saturday to Sunday, October 27, clocks in the Canary Islands should be set back one hour at 02:00, bringing the time back to 01:00. This adjustment means an extra hour of sleep that night but also signals the start of shorter days, with earlier sunrises and sunsets.
Emotional Disruption
For most electronic devices, the adjustment will happen automatically, although analog or unsynchronized clocks must be changed manually.
However, this time change not only affects the clock but also the emotional well-being of many people. According to the College of Psychology of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the transition to wintertime can trigger a seasonal affective disorder, characterized by mood swings, fatigue, irritability, and even insomnia.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Tamara Cabrera, psychologist and board secretary of the College, explains that this reaction is due to reduced exposure to natural light, which disrupts the body’s rhythm and can lead to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and feelings of disorientation and general discomfort. “These effects, in turn, lead to a worsened psychological and emotional state,” she adds.
The College of Psychology reminds people that, while not everyone is equally sensitive to the time change, maintaining a healthy routine can help mitigate these effects. They recommend incorporating physical activity, a balanced diet, and, whenever possible, exposure to natural light to help the body readjust.
Conclusion
Staying active and socially connected is an essential strategy. Limiting screen time, which can worsen sleep issues, is also a lifeline for those feeling somewhat out of sorts. Finally, those who experience prolonged discomfort should consider consulting a professional to assess their situation.
In conclusion, we can say that the transition to wintertime in the Canary Islands, while providing an extra hour of sleep, can also have a negative impact on the emotional and physical well-being of many people. Reduced exposure to natural light can lead to fatigue, irritability, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Therefore, maintaining a healthy routine, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and exposure to natural light is essential to ease these effects.
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Wintertim in Tenerife ©
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