Many have mixed reviews about Daylight Saving Time, but I absolutely love it. In my mind, it’s the symbolic kick-off of spring. Happiness! And yes, while we’ll be sacrificing an hour of sleep the tradeoff is so worth it: an extra hour of daylight to enjoy each evening. That added hour signals the return of energy, excitement, and all those perfect-for-twilight activities we gave up back in November. It’s been a desperately long winter (isn’t it always?), so we’ve come up with a little list of things to do on Daylight Savings to brighten your springtime evenings, literally and figuratively! So when does Daylight Savings start in 2022? Sooner than you might think—get ready to change those clocks… tomorrow. Not reading this in real time? That magic date is March 13.
I like to use this newfound time to appreciate the little things that go unnoticed during the darkness of winter. The daffodils pushing their way through the dirt, the smell of grass after rain, and the pleasure of enjoying some frozen yogurt on a stoop as the sun goes down. Enjoy soft, sunny mornings and stretch out your evenings to include a delicious post-dinner walk. Is there anything better?
Feature image by Melissa Gidney for Jenni Kayne.
Scroll on for 12 ideas to do on Daylight Savings (and all spring long!).
Treat family dinner like it’s a party.
Drag a table and chairs out to the front porch, dust off your prettiest linens, and light some candles the next time your group gathers around the dinner table. Don’t be afraid to surround yourself with beauty! There are few things as special as having dinner al fresco—it’s a soul-nourishing, delicious way to connect with loved ones and take advantage of that sweet sunset hour. It’s a huge mood booster after a long day of work and school, and the perfect way to relax into the evening.
Rethink your morning routine.
There’s no better time to shake up how you spend your early hours than with a shift in sunlight. While in some ways, spring Daylight Savings can make it seem like we’re losing precious time in the morning, how about seeing this as an opportunity to invite a change in perspective? With the longer days, I feel myself becoming more energized and motivated to hop out of bed and dive into my day. While the winter saw me spending my time post-bed and pre-work reading or slowly sipping a cup of tea, I’m letting Daylight Savings inspire me to get in a little morning movement and welcome the boost of energy this transition brings. If you’re new to the wide world of morning routines, look no further than our Wake Up Call series to get ideas from some of the most successful and inspiring women we know.
Start the search for your new favorite sunscreen.
It’s never too early in the season to start slathering on some sunscreen. Since everyone’s skin is different, it’s always a good idea to take the time and find the one that is just right for you. You don’t want to spend the next six months dreading the experience and trying to find excuses to avoid it. Sorry to be a bummer, but hats just aren’t enough (though they can still go a long way)! You need to slather on some sun protection every day (and yes, even inside, especially if you work near a window). So do you prefer a serum? A physical sunscreen? An oil-free sunscreen? A mineral sunscreen? A zinc sunscreen? Take the time to parse through a few samples, find your go-to, and keep your skin healthy and safe.
Make a new vision board for the season ahead.
Whenever I experience a transition in life, whether that’s influenced by the seasons or shifting weather—or if it’s more of a metaphorical change, I always look to guide my journey with a vision board. It’s not only helpful for creating clarity and organization around things that might otherwise feel abstract, but it’s also an impactful way to get me excited for all there is to come. Pull out your favorite magazines and get to snipping—after all, energy goes where attention flows. Not sure where to get started? Check out our guide for all the inspiration your vision boarding journey needs.
Go plant shopping
Bring the outdoors in and pick up some cheerful new plants at your local plant shop. Not only do indoor plants improve air quality, but they make every room look happier and more peaceful. Plants also offer an affordable way to redecorate, making it the perfect way to change up your space. Even if you’ve never considered yourself much of a plant person, there’s no time like the present to get started. Make an event of it! Check out our guides to the best low-light plants, beginner-friendly options, and plants that are 100% pet-friendly.
Share some kindness.
Spread a little springtime cheer and pepper your neighborhood with post-it style sweet love notes. You never know how even a simple, anonymous note could brighten someone’s day. If you have kids, making and posting love notes is a great way to keep your family busy for a few hours. Alternatively, it can be a gentle, quiet way to have a little meditative alone time. Take a golden hour walk and share the love with your neighbors this Daylight Savings. Dive into our list of more ways to spread kindness and cheer.
Start or reignite a book club with friends.
Has anyone else had a really difficult time reading this past year? It’s no wonder, given the fact that our brain space has been overtaken by the myriad difficult circumstances of the last twelve months. Dust off those cobwebs, pick one of this season’s exciting new releases, a memoir, or one of our editor’s favorites, and set a time to discuss them with pals. Hop on a Zoom or use the extra hour of sunlight and warmer weather for safe, socially-distanced park gatherings for your book club gathering—and make this cheeseboard.
Reconnect with yourself and set new intentions.
Spring cleaning doesn’t just have to refer to decluttering your home—though I often find that doing a deep clean and purging of my space can lead to a clearer headspace. Take a long walk, assess your needs, and find ways to nurture yourself so you have the space to set goals. It’s never too late to get a fresh start and create deep shifts that can lead to a more meaningful and rich life. Discovering your Ikagi can also help you unlock your life’s purpose! This can be as small as taking a daily morning walk or setting aside an hour a day to work on a fulfilling project. My favorite low-lift ways to get started? Try journaling or even relaxing in the bath.
Take on a rehab project by giving new life to an old piece of furniture.
I can’t be the only one looking around my apartment on a daily basis wondering what I could possibly do to freshen up the place. Hit up a flea market, online marketplace, or find an old piece of furniture in your home and give it a facelift. It’s more affordable than investing in a new piece and will be a fun way to spend a weekend (or longer, depending on how ambitious you are!). Throw on a new podcast, dust off your tools, and before you know it, you’ll have a beautiful piece of furniture to breathe new life into your space.
Make an amazing from-scratch breakfast for the next morning.
Cinnamon rolls are always a good idea. And since almost all recipes call for overnight dough proofing, it’s the perfect way to use that extra hour of light. Can you imagine a more delightful morning treat? It’s the best gift you could give yourself (or any other lucky recipient). Once considered a seasonal food, people seem to be coming around to the idea that cinnamon rolls should absolutely be enjoyed year-round, and I for one am glad we have finally accepted this fact. Try these Spiced Orange Date-Paste Cinnamon Rolls—they’ll blow your mind.
Call up someone you admire for career or life advice.
Whether you’re feeling suck in a rut or just want a little extra motivation, chatting with someone who champions your work can be incredibly inspiring. You will likely get a fresh perspective on how to tackle aspects of your life or career that could use a little extra guidance. It’s always helpful to get advice from someone on the outside looking in. Trust me, it will feel incredibly refreshing and renewing. There’s nothing like a little pep talk from someone you think highly of for a new lease on anything that’s been on your mind.
Catch the sunset with a late afternoon walk.
Enjoy the extra hour of daylight with a meandering walk through your favorite park, beach, or part of town. A post-dinner walk is an ideal wind down and an easy way to get centered and grounded in your thoughts—even daydream a little. It’s also a delightful opportunity to take in the cherished little details that appear when the seasons change. Don’t worry—a morning walk can be just as magical.
