Imagine this: It’s a cold November morning, and your alarm jolts you awake an hour earlier than usual. You’re groggy, the sun hasn’t even risen, and all you want is that extra hour of sleep. Instead, you’re fumbling through your morning, feeling just a little off. As you sip your coffee, you catch yourself wondering, Why does daylight saving time even exist?
For many, the end of daylight saving time feels more like a disruption than a benefit—a reminder that the days are getting shorter, mornings darker, and the cozy comfort of sleep even harder to give up. But what if we could turn this annual change into a positive force? Instead of seeing it as a loss, we could use it to gain an extra hour for ourselves.
This year, let’s use this extra hour to make a positive change. If you’ve ever wanted to get up just a bit earlier, take on a new hobby, or make time for something important, this shift might be your golden opportunity. By getting up just an hour earlier, you can get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions and set the tone for a successful 2024.
What is Daylight Saving Time, Anyway?
Daylight saving time is a system we use to adjust our clocks twice a year, in spring and fall, to make better use of natural daylight. In March, we “spring forward,” setting clocks ahead by one hour to have more daylight in the evening. In November, we “fall back,” setting clocks back an hour and bringing sunrise earlier in the morning. This practice has been around in some form since World War I, originally implemented to save energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting in the evenings. While we don’t save much energy today, the system has stuck around in most of the United States (except Hawaii and most of Arizona), and it shapes our schedule twice a year.
The time change isn’t just a clock adjustment—it impacts how we experience daylight. By “falling back” this November, many of us find ourselves with an extra hour in the morning. Instead of letting it slip away, why not use it as a chance to reset your morning routine?
Why Use the Fall Time Change to Jumpstart Your Mornings?
As the clocks fall back, you get an extra hour of sleep, making it the perfect moment to try waking up earlier without the usual struggle. You’ll naturally wake up around the same time, but the clock will show an hour earlier than what you’re used to. Here’s why it’s a great time to start a new routine:
- Easier Transition: Because you’re technically “gaining” an hour, your body won’t feel the shock of waking up earlier. You can use this time to get into the habit of starting your day with purpose—whether that means exercising, reading, journaling, or tackling personal projects.
- Perfect Timing for New Year’s Resolutions: Many people wait until January to start fresh with their goals, but early November can be an ideal time to kickstart new habits. By the time the new year rolls around, you’ll already have built momentum, giving you a head start on your resolutions.
- Lasting Impact: Getting into a routine now makes it easier to maintain once spring arrives, and the clocks jump forward again. By the time daylight saving time begins in March, you’ll be accustomed to your new schedule, making the adjustment easier.
How to Make the Most of Your Extra Morning Hour
If you’re ready to make this change, here are some practical steps to turn that extra morning hour into a meaningful part of your day:
- Set a Purpose: Decide in advance what you want to use this time for. Is it fitness, creative pursuits, meditation, or self-care? Having a clear goal can make the transition smoother and help you look forward to getting up.
- Establish a Routine: Consistency is key. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Even on weekends, keep the schedule as close as possible to make it a habit rather than a one-time effort.
- Prepare the Night Before: Make mornings easier by setting up the night before. Lay out workout clothes, prepare coffee or breakfast, and write a quick to-do list. Little steps can remove friction, helping you stick to your routine.
- Use Light to Your Advantage: As days get shorter, natural light may be limited. Brighten your morning by opening curtains or turning on a lamp to mimic natural light, signaling to your body that it’s time to start the day.
- Ease Into Productivity: Jumping into a productive routine right away may be tough, so take small steps. Start with five to ten minutes of an activity you enjoy, like reading, stretching, or journaling. Gradually increase your activity until the early wake-up feels natural.
The Long-Term Benefits of Getting Up Earlier
Embracing the end of DST as a chance to wake up earlier can yield incredible long-term benefits. Studies show that morning people often have better mental health, greater productivity, and lower stress levels. You’ll also find that creating space for something meaningful in your day—even if it’s just a quiet coffee or a brisk walk—can set a positive tone and improve your mindset.
Plus, by starting now, you’ll be setting yourself up to ease into the DST transition come spring. When we “spring forward” in March, you’ll already be in a habit of getting up early, making it far easier to maintain that rhythm even with the time change.
Make this Fall a Time of New Beginnings 🍂✨
The end of daylight saving time isn’t just a clock change; it’s a chance to rethink your routine and seize the day. Use this transition as a springboard for positive change and give yourself a head start on 2024. Whether you’re trying to carve out more time for exercise, get a jump on creative projects, or just enjoy a few quiet moments before the day begins, now is the perfect time to start.
“You might just look back months from now and see it as one of the best changes you made this year.“
Remember, an hour can make all the difference. Use this one to kick off a new habit, and you might just look back months from now and see it as one of the best changes you made this year.
Start building a life you’re excited about, one morning at a time—subscribe now to Storied Insights at KylenSmall.com for more tips and insights that help you take charge of each day with purpose.