Spring forward, keep moving! 10 tips to help patients take advantage of Daylight Saving Time

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Daylight Saving Time is around the corner (March 9). With more daylight hours, primary care nurse practitioners and APPs have a great opportunity to encourage patients to incorporate more movement into their daily routines.

To support you in guiding your patients toward better musculoskeletal health, we’ve compiled 10 simple and effective tips that you can share. These small lifestyle changes can significantly impact mobility, reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being:

1. Encourage an after-dinner walk
Instead of settling in after dinner, suggest that patients take a short 10-15 minute walk around their neighborhood. This light movement aids digestion, improves circulation, and can even contribute to better sleep quality. Longer daylight hours provide a safer, more enjoyable environment for walking.

2. Recommend parking farther away
Encourage patients to make small adjustments to their daily routine, such as parking a little farther from their destination. Over time, these small steps add up, improving joint mobility and promoting regular movement, especially for those with sedentary lifestyles.

3. Suggest walking breaks during calls
For patients who spend extended periods sitting, suggest incorporating movement into routine phone calls. Walking while talking helps prevent stiffness, engages the musculoskeletal system, and increases circulation throughout the day.

4. Promote gardening as an active hobby
Gardening is not only a relaxing activity but also a great way to engage in gentle musculoskeletal movement. Digging, planting, and watering plants provide light strength training, enhancing flexibility and coordination. Patients with limited mobility can also benefit from container gardening.

5. Encourage walking instead of driving for short trips
If feasible, advise patients to opt for walking or biking instead of driving when running quick errands. The extra daylight makes these activities more accessible and enjoyable, supporting heart health and joint mobility.

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6. Introduce the idea of a ‘sunset stroll’ routine
Suggest a calming end-of-day activity like a sunset walk, either alone, with family, or with pets. This can help reduce stress, support circulation, and serve as a transition from a busy day to restful sleep.

7. Advise movement during TV time
For patients who spend evenings watching television, recommend taking advantage of commercial breaks by standing, stretching, or doing simple seated exercises. This small habit can help prevent stiffness and maintain flexibility.

8. Recommend outdoor play with kids or pets
Patients with children or pets can incorporate movement into their family time. Activities such as playing catch, Frisbee, or simple outdoor games offer both engagement and physical benefits.

9. Suggest a daily step challenge
Encourage patients to set a small step goal, whether through a fitness tracker or a personal challenge. Small increases in daily step counts can have long-term benefits for musculoskeletal health and overall mobility.

10. Make daily chores more active
Remind patients that household tasks like sweeping, washing the car, or tidying the yard are excellent ways to stay active. Playing music or setting a timer can make these tasks more enjoyable while promoting movement.

Empowering patients with small changes
As primary care NPs and APPs, your guidance plays a key role in helping patients maintain musculoskeletal health through simple lifestyle modifications. Encouraging movement in small, sustainable ways can improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and enhance overall well-being.

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