The Extra Hour Isn’t Extra: A Gentler Way Through the Time Change

When the clocks fall back, our bodies and schedules may need time to catch up.

The clocks change in a moment, but people do not. A shift of one hour can feel surprisingly large when mornings already involve school, work, caregiving, meals and a long list of responsibilities.

Start with light. Opening the curtains and stepping outside in the morning helps your body recognize the new day. A short walk, even around the block, can be more useful than trying to force yourself into an entirely new routine overnight.

Keep familiar anchors in place: a regular breakfast, a calm bedtime sequence and predictable mealtimes. For children, moving a bedtime by ten or fifteen minutes over several evenings can be easier than demanding an instant adjustment.

An extra hour on the clock is not an obligation to accomplish an extra hour of chores. If the family needs a slower morning, take it. If someone is cranky or tired, allow room for that too.

Persistent sleep trouble deserves attention from a healthcare professional. Otherwise, offer yourself patience. The kindest schedule is often the one that makes space for real human beings.

Sharing our family with yours — one beautifully imperfect day at a time.