The time change in March gets a bad rap because of the lost hour of sleep, but the return of Daylight Savings Time doesn’t need to be a meditation in misery.
This year, DST kicks off today, March 8. The change can be a pain when it comes to manually adjusting clocks and timers, but luckily, computers, phones and tablets will make the change on their own. The biggest downside to the beginning of DST is we lose an hour of sleep the night it goes into effect. For most, the extra hour of daylight is well worth it, though.
As it currently stands, Arizona and Hawai’i do not practice DST. If you want to avoid the change for a little longer, consider vacationing here when clocks change. That isn’t reasonable for most people, though. Seven other states, including Florida, Oregon and Washington, want to keep DST permanently. This is a best-of-both-worlds situation, where the states have an extra hour of sunlight and don’t need to deal with a change.
To make the change a little easier throughout the first week, set your alarm a few minutes earlier each day. Getting yourself up is one challenge, but make sure to wake the kids up with you if they need to go to school. The gradual change is much easier on the body.
On the night when the change goes into effect, make sure to get plenty of rest. Young kids might not want to head to bed earlier, but the early bed time, assuming everyone can get to sleep, will make for a much more pleasant morning.
According to a study from Michigan Health, many more heart attacks happen, proportionately, on the morning following Daylight Savings Time. The 24 percent jump can be attributed to interrupted sleep, the study claimed. To stem the potential of a serious illness, make sure the entire family gets enough sleep.
The coming of Daylight Savings Time is a blessing for most people. The huge jump in timing means it is brighter much longer. Kids can play outside longer while more activities open themselves up for adults. Use the extra sunlight to go for a walk as a family or get a good run in.
A missing hour of sleep is a pain for sure, but proper preparation means the extra hour of sunlight can literally brighten your day. Until November, that is.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Sep 1, 2026Family-Friendly Ways to Welcome Fall in the Finger Lakes
Some of us are still trying to stretch out the dog days of summer, but there is no denying fall will be here soon. Whether ready for it or not, it’s time to look for ways to welcome the season that will be fun for the family. Luckily, New York’s Finger Lakes region has plenty of ways to do just that.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Hotels
Sep 1, 2026This London Hotel Launches Little Londoners Family Package
Balance a city break in London with kid-friendly experiences at Sea Containers London, an upscale, riverside hotel. The property recently debuted the Little Londoners package, a thoughtfully designed offering that makes exploring London easier (and more fun) for both kids and parents.
Destinations / North America
Aug 31, 2026Dude Ranch Experience Coming to Historic Arizona Golf Resort
Later this fall, family travelers are invited to experience one of Southern Arizona’s hidden gems in a true dude ranch setting. Otero Ranch at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa opens for the season Nov. 15, presenting an experience by True Ranch Collection that will feature exclusive dude ranch adventures, such as horseback riding and hiking along the Santa Cruz River valley, playing a round of golf at the 27-hole championship course, trying 3-D archery, exploring the town of Tubac, touring historic Tumacacori Mission, and relaxing at the resort’s spa or pool.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / Europe
Aug 31, 2026Le Conquet: France’s Secret Beach Town
At the far western edge of mainland France, the active fishing port of Le Conquet stands in layers of stone buildings rising from the harbor. Houses from the 16th and 17th centuries line the seawall in a tight-packed row, the colorful shutters brightening the stone facades. For travelers, Le Conquet is more than just a picturesque Breton town; it’s a good base for a family beach holiday.
ShareThis