In the Northern hemisphere, the days are getting shorter, the temperature is dropping, and in the US, we’ve turned our clocks back an hour to Standard Time. For many of us, this can be a difficult transition. We have to re-adjust our sleep schedules, and it can be tough to get out of bed when it’s still dark outside. And for some it is difficult to write when it is suddenly dark outside by 5 p.m. However, it’s easier than in the spring when we lose an hour. And believe it or not, there is some good news in all of this. There are plenty of things you can do to make the most of Standard Time, and here are a few tips that may convince you:
1. Get Outside:
One of the best things you can do to adjust to Standard Time is to get outside and enjoy the extra hour of daylight. Take a walk, go for a run, or just sit outside and soak up some vitamin D. The fresh air will do you good and you’ll feel more alert and energized to work on your book marketing and publicity. 🙂
2. Use the Extra Hour Wisely:
We all know how precious time is. It’s one of the biggest complaints I hear when it comes to marketing our books and <gasp!> that pesky social media. Use that extra hour wisely! Perhaps creating a social media plan for the next week would be a great use of that extra hour. Or just creating a publicity plan in general for your book. Or maybe just take some time for yourself. A little “you” time can actually make you way more productive later in the week.
3. Connect with Friends and Family:
With the days getting shorter, it can be easy to feel isolated and lonely. But thanks to the extra hour of daylight, you can reach out to friends and family members who live far away and schedule a video chat or phone call. Seeing familiar faces and catching up on life will help boost your mood and make the transition to Standard Time a little bit easier.
4. Get Some Exercise:
This is similar to point #1, but it’s more directed and specific. Exercise is a great way to fight fatigue and boost your energy levels. So if you’re feeling sluggish after the time change, go for a walk or hit the gym. You’ll work off some steam and feel better in no time.
5. Tackle a Project:
Got a project you’ve been meaning to start? Never feel like you have enough time to get all your work done? Now’s your chance! Use that extra hourto start crossing items off your to-do list. Whether it’s creating an editorial calendar, or researching some journalists or podcasters you’d like to meet, it will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you make headway on something that’s been weighing on your mind.
6. More Productive Mornings:
With the sun now rising earlier in the morning, you may find that you have a bit more time to get things done before starting your writing day, or working on the publicity and marketing of your book. The point is to actually figure out how to use that hour, not to let it just fade into the background as usual.
7. Quieter Evenings:
One of the best things about Standard Time is that it’s darker earlier in the evening. What??!! Hang on. Hear me out. This can be a great opportunity to get some uninterrupted article and blog post writing done. With fewer distractions and fewer people out and about, you may find that you’re able to get into a flow state more easily and produce your best work yet.
Plus, if you normally write during the daytime, Standard Time provides a perfect opportunity to mix things up and write at night for a change. Working different hours can help prevent burnout and keep your creative juices flowing. Who knows, you may even discover that you prefer working under the stars.
Bottom Line
Whether you love it or hate it, Standard Time is here to stay—at least for the next few months. (And, to tell you the truth, I wish we’d stick to one or the other, but that’s a different post.) But before we start grumbling about the early darkness, remember that there are some benefits to writing and publicizing during this time of year. So make yourself a cup of tea, curl up in your favorite spot, and let’s make it happen!
To your success!
Joanne
P.S. Taking time out for a little bit about time…
Time (Clock of the Heart), Time, It’s about Damn Time, Time after Time, Time is Running Out, Time – Does anybody really know…?
And then there is the group known as The Time.
#StandardTime
#Movebacktheclock
#BookPublicity
#BookMarketing
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