Spring Forward! Make the Most of That Extra Sunlight

spring forwardAh, March—the month when winter starts to loosen its grip and we finally spring forward, gaining an extra hour of glorious daylight.

For those of us who’ve spent the past few months hunkered down under blankets and battling the 4 PM darkness, this time change feels like a breath of fresh air. That additional hour of sunlight not only lifts our spirits but also offers a golden opportunity to add a little more joy to our days.

Here are some delightful ways to make the most of it!

1. Take Your Walks Outdoors Again

If you’ve been pacing indoors or trudging through winter’s chill, it’s time to lace up those sneakers and hit the trails or your neighborhood streets. That extra hour of daylight is perfect for a brisk evening stroll. The fresh air and sunshine can boost your mood and help shake off the winter blues.

2. Start a Garden (or at Least Plan One)

March is a great time to get a head start on your garden. Begin by clearing out last year’s remnants and planning what to plant. Herbs, leafy greens, and flowers like pansies can thrive in cooler spring temperatures. If you’re not quite ready to dig in the dirt, use the extra daylight to browse your favorite gardening blogs or seed catalogs.

3. Dine Al Fresco

Why wait for summer? Take advantage of the lighter evenings to have dinner on your patio or balcony. A simple meal with a view of the sunset can feel like a mini-vacation and turn an ordinary day into something special.

4. Catch the Sunset

There’s something magical about a March sunset—the way the light lingers a bit longer and casts a golden glow. Make it a habit to pause and appreciate it, whether from your porch, a local park, or even just your kitchen window.

5. Spruce Up Your Space

That extra light has a sneaky way of highlighting dust and clutter. Take advantage of the brighter evenings to do a bit of spring cleaning. Open your windows, let the sunshine in, and tackle one small area at a time.

6. Get Moving!

Whether it’s a bike ride, some yoga in the backyard, or a simple stretch, use the extra daylight to add a bit of movement to your routine. Natural light can help regulate your sleep cycle, making it easier to wind down at night, even after a bit of evening exercise.

7. Savor a Golden Hour Hobby

That warm evening light is ideal for hobbies like photography, painting, or reading by the window. Pick something that makes you happy and carve out a little time to enjoy it before dinner.

Embrace the Light

March’s extra hour of sunlight is a reminder that brighter days are ahead—literally and figuratively. So, throw open those curtains, step outside, and soak it all in. Spring is on its way!

How do you plan to spend your extra daylight? Share your ideas in the comments below! 🌞

Julie Gorges

Julie A. Gorges is an international award-winning author and journalist, and a member of the Authors Guild. Hundreds of her articles and short stories have been published in national and regional magazines, and her blog, Baby Boomer Bliss, was recognized as the #1 boomer blog on the web.

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2 Responses

  1. Happy March, Julie.
    Great suggestions to start spring.
    I hope to get outdoors more. Our weather is crazy right now. It was cold, and windy with snow yesterday morning and spring-like conditions in the afternoon. That’s March for us, though.
    I’m looking forward to lots of light and sunshine.
    Have a wonderful month.

  2. Cat says:

    Definitely the gardening and walking parts!

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