Like it or not, this Sunday, March 13th, we will “spring forward” by setting our clocks ahead one hour.  This comes as a bitter pill to swallow for many persons.  Others take it in stride, but those who are not “morning persons” won’t be too happy about it for a while.  Canada, certain states in the U.S., and Mexico are affected by this mandated time change, as well as many other countries in the world.  During World War I, it was thought that the time change would save energy for the war effort.  The ruling has been off and on through the years, but since the Energy Policy Act of 2005, we’ve been “springing forward.” 

Here are some ideas that might help you be prepared, ahead of time:

• Start getting ready for it now, this week!
• Get up a little earlier than usual these last few days so you’ll be ready for Sunday.
• Try not to take naps the weekend of the time change, so you’ll be able to go to sleep an hour earlier at bedtime.
• Change all clocks on Saturday afternoon.
• Think positive – get used to it as soon as possible.
• Make arrangements for your children to get to school or to the school bus safely, because it may still be dark in your area.  If they ride their bike, or walk, be sure they wear something reflective on their clothes or bike, and accompany them, if possible for the first few days after the time change. 

I have always wished that we didn’t have this time change and have always referred to Central Standard Time as the “real time,” but as years have gone by, I have learned to adjust to it better and realize that there is extra time to get things done before the end of the day.  This is  a good time to get geared up for chores that we usually save for spring, so start planning to do a few of these things.  It always makes you feel better once you’ve done them:

• Restock battery supplies.  Change smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, both now and after the time change in November, if necessary.
• List special tasks that you could do annually at this time of the year.
• Now’s the time to get ready for Spring Cleaning! (First day of Spring is March 20^th).
• Go through your old clothes and donate them to charity.
• Get the whole family involved in cleaning out closets and passing on clothes they don’t plan to wear to someone who can use them.
• Start sprucing up your yard.
• Begin an your exercise program.  You will have that extra hour of sunlight, so there’s no excuse not to do it! 

Waking  up a little earlier in the mornings this week  will allow you to drive without getting drowsy.  Statistics from past time changes have shown that a high percentage of drivers drove while sleepy, and some even dozed off while driving, if only for a few seconds, immediately following the time change.  Darkness in the early hours of the day can cause more driving accidents, so be alert.  

Whether the hands on the clock point to “real time” or Daylight Saving Time, the main goal is to make the adjustment as soon as we can.   It’s time to remember: “Today is the first day of the rest of your life!”  Make every minute count!