Summer Time Begins! How to Align with Rhythms for Health & Well-being

📅 March 30, 2025 – The Start of Daylight Saving Time (DST)!

Every year, on the last Sunday of March, Switzerland and most of Europe transition to Daylight Saving Time (DST). At 2:00 AM, clocks move forward to 3:00 AM, giving us longer daylight hours and shorter nights. While this adjustment may seem like a small shift, it can significantly impact our physical and mental balance.

At IAK, we embrace the harmony between nature and human life. So, how can we adapt to this time shift in a way that aligns with natural rhythms and promotes well-being?

Why Do We Change Time? A Look into Its Origins

The concept of Daylight Saving Time was first suggested by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century. He observed that people could reduce the use of candles and lamps by adjusting their schedules to match natural daylight. However, it was not until World War I that DST was officially implemented in Europe and North America as a means to conserve energy.

Today, DST is still used in Europe, North America, Oceania, and parts of Asia, while some countries (such as China) experimented with it but later discontinued the practice.

In Switzerland, DST runs from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October. This year, we will return to standard time on October 26, 2025, when clocks will move back one hour.

Time as Efficiency vs. Time as Rhythm: East Meets West

Western cultures often emphasize time management, productivity, and efficiency, and DST reflects this philosophy—helping societies maximize work and activity during daylight hours.

In contrast, Eastern wisdom views time as a natural rhythm rather than a rigid measurement. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Daoist thought, the body’s biological clock (子午流注, Zǐwǔ Liúzhù) aligns with the cycle of day and night—“Rise with the sun, rest with the moon.” A sudden shift like DST can temporarily disrupt this delicate balance, leading to sleep disturbances, fatigue, emotional fluctuations, and decreased vitality.

So, how can we make this transition smooth and harmonious?

Five Ways to Adapt to DST and Stay in Harmony

🌞 1. Adjust Your Sleep Gradually

In the days leading up to DST, go to bed 15–20 minutes earlier each night to ease your body into the change and prevent feeling overly fatigued.

💨 2. Start Your Day with Morning Practice

Practicing morning breathing techniques, such as “BaDuanjin”, can help reset your internal clock, enhance alertness, and regulate energy flow.

Deep breathing and early sunlight exposure stimulate the body’s natural melatonin regulation, helping you wake up feeling refreshed.

🍵 3. Eat in Rhythm—Avoid Stimulants at Night

Your diet plays a crucial role in adjusting to time changes. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and high-sugar foods in the evening, as they can interfere with sleep.

Instead, choose soothing herbal teas like goji berry tea or chamomile tea to support the nervous system and promote restful sleep.

🧘‍♀️ 4. Cultivate Calmness—Practice Meditation & Mindfulness

Shifts in time can lead to stress and irritability. Techniques like "Calmness of Mind” or meditation practices can help stabilize emotions, reduce anxiety, and allow the body to reconnect with natural rhythms.

📅 5. Embrace Nature—Make the Most of Longer Days

DST gives us more daylight hours—a perfect opportunity to engage in outdoor activities like hiking, walking, yoga, or simply breathing in fresh air. The connection with nature is essential for physical and mental balance.

More Than Just Changing Clocks—A Shift in Lifestyle

At IAK, we believe time is not just about numbers but about flow and rhythm. Instead of resisting change, we can embrace the transition with mindful practices, helping us align with nature’s cycles while maintaining balance, vitality, and well-being.

As time shifts, so do our rhythms—but with awareness, breath, and movement, we can find harmony in every season.

💬 How do you adjust to DST? Share your experiences in the comments below!