“Are You Ready to Spring Forward? | Tips for Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time” Every year, the time shift between spring and fall upsets our daily habits, affecting our sleep patterns, mental well-being, and overall health. As a father of three daughters, I can tell you directly that this change is about more than simply modifying my own schedule; it’s about managing the chaos that comes with three tiny children who don’t care what the clock says. Whether it’s convincing kids that sleep is actually earlier in the spring or dealing with their endless energy in the fall when it’s dark at 5 p.m., the struggle is real!
Moving Forward! Daylight Saving Time
Positive Effects :
More daylight in the evenings. More time after work to get in 9 holes of golf. (This is beneficial for my mental health.) More sunlight for playing outside with the kids, which usually results in a later dinner but some of the nicest memories. The extra daylight encourages evening walks and park visits, which improves everyone’s sleep at night. Longer days help me keep motivated at work while also giving me the stamina to chase my three daughters around after dinner.
Negative Effects :
Losing an hour of sleep may not seem like a big deal, but try explaining it to a three-year-old who is suddenly grumpy and refuses to nap. Furthermore, research reveals that heart attack risks increase somewhat following the springtime change—most likely due to insufficient sleep! This alteration may cause drowsiness and reduced reaction times. I definitely feel groggier on those early morning school runs.
Fall Back (End of Daylight Saving Time)
Positive Effects :
An additional hour of sleep! This makes the day feel extremely long. (in a good manner) However, in reality, my children wake up at the same time, and I have to convince them that it is not yet breakfast time. That extra sleep can be a game changer for stress, I must admit. It makes me feel more patient and relaxed. Now that the sun is up in the mornings, I feel more confident about getting the kids out the door and to school securely.
Negative Effects :
Even if we gain an hour, my daughter’s body clocks do not change overnight, resulting in several days of irregular wake-up hours. Shorter days can bring on the winter blues, and I feel it in my children as they begin to miss outside activities. The early arrival of nightfall means more indoor time and, frankly, more screentime battles.
With all of those personal anecdotes, I’ve learnt a few things and Googled some more, but here are some recommendations for adjusting for DST.
Time changes are inconvenient, but being prepared can make all the difference. Making tiny changes and focusing on healthy habits might help you and your family adjust more smoothly. And if not, do as I do: accept the chaos. Because, whether it’s spring forward or fall back, my girls still get up before the crack of dawn!
