As the cold weather draws closer, so does the end of daylight saving time. This means it’s time to “fall back” one hour this coming Sunday, November 2nd, at 2:00 a.m. Dawn will come earlier in the morning, and the drive home from work will be darker when standard time returns. Setting your clocks back in advance unblocks opportunities when it comes to using that extra hour! Here’s what to know about daylight savings, and how to use your extra hour to its full potential.
What Exactly Is Daylight Saving Time?
To discuss how to use the extra hour, we must first learn about daylight saving time. Daylight Saving Time is the practice of adjusting the clock ahead by an hour in the spring to maximize and take advantage of daylight while conserving energy. Most of Canada takes part in daylight saving time. Some exceptions include the Yukon, Saskatchewan, some locations of Quebec, and areas in British Columbia. These places stay on standard time all year round.
Did you know that the first city to participate in daylight saving time was Port Arthur, Ontario (now part of Thunder Bay)? This occurred on July 1st, 1908. The idea was to provide residents with more daylight hours to enjoy outdoor activities and reduce their reliance on artificial light throughout the day.
Benefits of Daylight Saving Time
Daylight saving time offers numerous benefits. This includes conserving energy by reducing the need for artificial light during the summer months when more daylight hours are available. By setting the clock ahead an hour, people can take advantage of the extra daylight in the evenings, reducing their need for electricity. Additionally, more daylight hours may encourage people to engage in more outdoor activities. This promotes physical activity and reduces the risk of obesity and other health problems.
Downsides of Daylight Saving Time
While there are multiple benefits to daylight savings, there are also some downsides. These include safety risks, specifically related to sleep disruption and changes in circadian rhythms. When the clocks jump forward or back, it can disrupt people’s sleep patterns, including those of children and pets, and lead to a temporary increase in fatigue.
Research shows that the number of traffic accidents and workplace injuries tends to increase in the days immediately following time changes. This may be because people are tired and less alert when driving due to sleep deprivation. Additionally, the sudden time change can be disorienting and challenging to adjust to for some people, specifically those with sensitivities to light and darkness.
Fall Back: How Can I Use The Extra Hour?
By turning your clock back a few hours in advance on Saturday evening, you can give yourself an extra hour to complete tasks from your to-do list while preparing for the shorter daylight hours. Here are some examples of how to use the extra hour:
1. Adjust your sleep schedule in advance
If you’re someone who relies heavily on a sharp sleep schedule, adjusting your timing before the time change is a terrific way to make use of the extra hour. Try going to bed an hour earlier and waking up an hour earlier. This will help your body continue to adapt to daylight and minimize the jarring effect. Alternatively, slowly adjust your schedule by going to bed and waking up 10-15 minutes earlier each day until you reach an hour. To help, avoid using your cell phone or watching television before bed!
2. Spend with friends and family
Since ‘falling back’ ends on Halloween weekend, many people may be out with friends on Saturday night. Enjoy the extra hour with friends and take advantage of the extra hour before the last call at your local bar or restaurant! Alternatively, if you have little ones, spend some time inside and enjoy the extra daylight savings hour. Snuggle up and plan a family movie night or play some board games. With Halloween only a few weeks away, extend the spooky festivities by hosting a Halloween-themed night while enjoying the candy your little ones have collected!
3. Decorate for Christmas!
Let’s face it, sometimes Halloween isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. If by the time daylight saving time rolls around and you’re over the Halloween festivities and want to get a head start on the next holiday, it’s never too early to start decorating for Christmas! Mariah Carey is defrosting, after all! Gearing up for Christmas is a great activity that the whole family can enjoy. Though you may not have a tree yet, putting up some lights outside and setting up your stockings can be a terrific way to get into the holiday spirit!
4. Tidy up!
Another simple way to utilize your extra hour is to do some household chores! Some simple actions, such as vacuuming or mopping, are a great way to start the day for most people on Sunday. You will be surprised at what you can accomplish in only an hour! Let’s face it, there is nothing better than starting your week off with a lovely, clean living space.
Though the early darkness and dark mornings can be a drag for many, we hope you all enjoy the upcoming winter season. The end of daylight saving time is the perfect time to review your insurance package and ensure your policy is up to date for the cooler season. Don’t hesitate to contact us at isure or request a quote today!
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