The Clock Change Effect: How to manage stress, sleep & seasonal weight gain

As daylight savings ends, many of us feel the shift - darker evenings, sluggish mornings, and an overall dip in energy. But did you know this seasonal transition can also disrupt your metabolism, increase stress, and trigger cravings for comfort food?

With less daylight, our bodies produce more melatonin (the sleep hormone) and less serotonin (the mood booster), leading to fatigue, stress cravings, and metabolic slowdowns. Many people also experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - a form of low mood triggered by reduced sunlight exposure.

Additionally, when temperatures drop, our bodies naturally shift into fat storage mode, increasing hunger and slowing fat metabolism. If you’re struggling with stress eating, poor sleep, or winter weight gain, here’s how to work with your body, not against it.

1. Create a healthy evening routine to reduce stress & improve sleep

Evenings often feel rushed and stressful, keeping your cortisol levels high, which disrupts deep sleep and metabolic function.

To signal your body to switch from stress mode to relaxation mode, try:

1. Dimming lights an hour before bed to support melatonin production
2. Turning off screens to prevent blue light from blocking deep sleep
3. Using EFT tapping, breathwork, or meditation to lower cortisol before bedtime

A calm nervous system promotes better sleep, balanced hunger hormones, and reduced cravings for late-night snacking.

2. Get more natural light (especially in the morning!)

Your circadian rhythm (body clock) regulates energy, metabolism, and mood. When daylight decreases, our serotonin drops, affecting energy levels and food choices.

1. Open curtains immediately upon waking to increase morning light exposure
2. Take a 10-minute walk outside before noon to help regulate your metabolism and stress hormones
3. Sit by a bright window while working to boost serotonin, mood, and energy stability

This simple habit prevents sluggishness and sugar cravings later in the day.

3. Support your body’s natural metabolism (without dieting)

As the weather cools, your body shifts into fat storage mode, an ancient survival mechanism. Instead of fighting it, support your metabolism naturally:

1. Prioritise high-protein whole food carbs like sweet potatoes, quinoa, and root vegetables to keep energy stable
2. Reduce workload and embrace slower living—it’s okay to set boundaries, say no, and simplify your evenings
3. Practice self-compassion—some days will be harder, and stress cravings may be higher. Balance is key, not perfection

If you find yourself mindlessly snacking, EFT tapping can help rewire stress-driven eating patterns, putting you back in control.

Want to Reduce Stress & Avoid Winter Weight Gain?

I’ve created a FREE EFT tapping guide to help you manage cravings, regulate stress, and reset your metabolism naturally. Download it here: Freebie Link

If you want to learn how to listen to your body’s signals and reclaim control over emotional eating, book a free clarity call with me. Let’s chat about how this simple technique can support your health and well-being. Schedule your call here: Booking Link

Your body is always communicating with you—learning to listen and respond is how you take your power back.

TRUST Approach is now open for enrollment! If you're ready to transform your metabolic health, stress resilience, and relationship with food, join the April intake today. Spaces are limited—Learn more here: TRUST Approach ENROLMENT Link