Fall Back… Into Seasonal Depression?

Alex and Emily face off over the ending of Daylight Savings Time

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Alex: Daylight Savings Time ending is one of the most depressing times of the year. The sun sets earlier, it’s ALWAYS dark, and honestly, I never want to leave my bed. Oh and also, it’s the unofficial start to winter.

Emily: The world gets darker sooner, you get an extra hour of sleep, and you don’t wake up to the annoying sun- what’s not to love? 

Alex: One of the only good things about daylight savings is the sun. I love waking up in the morning to the sun because it’s the first sign that the day has started. Waking up to it being pitch black makes me think it’s not really 7 a.m. and I can go back to sleep. Also, the sun in the morning only lasts for a few weeks until it’s back to pitch-black mornings. 

Emily: I am convinced that teenagers are part vampire. We hate mornings and the sunlight makes it ten times harder to wake up. Having your mom storm into your room in the morning and open your blinds to what is the brightest thing in existence isn’t exactly what I would call a fun time.

Alex: While I do believe the sun is sometimes a harsh start to the day, it’s the right start to the day. I would so much rather be woken up by the natural light and know it’s time for school than have my mom walk into my room at 7:15 yelling that I’m going to be late. I think it really makes a difference. 

Emily: Well I’m glad we can agree on one thing: the sun is harsh. Having that extra time and watching the sunrise while I get ready makes me feel like I’m waking up with the world. 

Alex: I completely agree… It’s nature’s way of saving “GET UP!” With that being said though, I can’t stand when it gets dark at 5 p.m. now.

Emily: By 5 p.m., I’m not doing anything anymore and I don’t know that many people who are doing anything either, other than maybe watching Netflix or driving home. Being able to look outside and see it pitch black when it’s only 5 p.m., makes me feel like I got a bonus honor I didn’t know I had. And it’s because I did! 

Alex: I see how it being dark outside has that effect, but the reality is I get nothing done when it’s dark earlier. As soon as the sun sets, I automatically think to myself: it’s time for bed. Now that the sun sets at 5 p.m., I have no motivation to get work done because I’m already so cozy in my bed and don’t want to move. I do love my bed, but not when I have work to do.

Emily: I guess I like the dark more because I’m more of a night owl. I feel like the world is finally quiet enough for me to do some work. I think I also don’t let the sun affect me as much throughout other times of the year. Even in class, I always support when the teacher turns the lights off so we can work. The sun doesn’t determine my motivation for doing things, but rather the opposite. I can’t wait for the sun to go down so I can finally start something. When the sun goes down that means that all other activities are over, and I can do the things that I enjoy or have to get done for the next day.

Alex: I definitely get that, especially as athletes and having practice right after school, it’s nice to be done when dusk starts to set in. With that, I think it’s dependent on the person. 

Emily: I agree that this is definitely dependent on the person and their preferences. 

Alex: When I hear daylight savings ending, I ultimately hear seasonal depression beginning. What do you think?

Emily: I love snow and winter and all things “seasonal depression” I guess. When I hear that I get an extra hour of sleep, no matter the circumstances I am overjoyed. 

Alex: I will admit, it was nice to get the extra hour when the clocks changed. However, the payoff is one hour of extra sleep for months of cold darkness. While I appreciate the beauty of the snow and winter festivities, I would so much rather be soaking up the sun at a warm 80 degrees. 

Emily: I’d rather be freezing than be dripping in sweat. 

Alex: Agree to disagree?

Emily: Agree to disagree.

What do you think about the ending of Daylight Savings Time?

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