Losing an hour of sleep isn’t fun, but let’s be real — daylight saving time isn’t why you’re tired, sluggish or skipping the gym. Blaming the clock change is easy, but your health habits matter every day of the year.

“Support your body’s transition with consistent hydration, balanced meals and prioritized sleep,” said Emily Woll, director of operations at Fullcast, who holds a Master of Science in human environment. Whether the sun sets at 5 or 9 p.m., there is always time for eating right, staying active, limiting screen time and getting quality sleep.

Despite people blaming the temporary loss of one beloved hour for everything from doomed relationships (no scientific proof) to baldness (again, no proof), there are measurable health benefits to extended hours of sunlight. Delaying the dark sky can’t cure all bad habits. Still, that super shot of vitamin D can elevate the dreariest mood and provide the motivation to adopt healthier lifestyles and dietary habits all year.

Let’s start with some facts:

Increased physical activity

Extended daylight in the evening makes people more likely to exercise, take walks or engage in outdoor activities after work.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that the average American adult spends half an hour per day exercising, playing sports or enjoying outdoor recreation. Furthermore, nearly half of Americans only do half the work when it comes to fitness.

According to the CDC, 46.9% of people met health guidelines for aerobic activity, but may or may not have met muscle-strengthening guidelines — not always both. That means millions are leaving serious health benefits on the table — and worse, millions are just sitting. Whether it’s at a desk or on the couch, prolonged sitting is linked to poor circulation, weight gain and even higher risks of chronic disease.

Better mental health

Did you know we spend almost 2.5 hours scrolling through social media? At this rate, Americans, particularly teenagers, are likelier to LIKE a post on athletic shoes than actually wear a pair. Unfortunately, mindlessly scrolling through social media or news feeds can have the opposite effect, increasing stress, disrupting sleep and reducing overall well-being.

More sunlight helps regulate serotonin levels, reducing the risk of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and improving overall mood. So, take THAT, Call of Duty! Send the COD team outside for some “in real life” adventures.

Improved sleep patterns (for some)

Ironically, a lack of sleep leads to the daylight saving charge. While the initial adjustment can be tough, longer daylight hours can help regulate circadian rhythms by encouraging natural wake and sleep cycles.

A landmark global sleep study shows that over half (62%) of people surveyed report sleeping “somewhat well” or “not at all well.” Factors like stress, anxiety, diet and chronic health conditions like sleep apnea all contribute to poor sleep habits. Losing one hour of sleep isn’t helping, but neither is your diet, room temperature or stress levels. To fight the effects of daylight saving, it’s crucial to adopt a sleep routine that includes relaxation and avoids late-night binging on snacks and screen time.

The clock isn’t your enemy — your habits are. You can blame the time change all you want, but an extra hour of daylight won’t save you if you’re still glued to your phone at midnight, skipping workouts or living off caffeine and convenience food.

Take control, build better habits and stop letting something as minor as a time shift dictate your health. Because the truth is that the real reset you need isn’t on the clock — it’s in your daily choices.

J’Nel Wright is a content writer at Fullcast, a Silicon Slopes-based, end-to-end RevOps platform that allows companies to design, manage and track the performance of their revenue-generating teams.