Or perhaps you spent the first day of Daylight Savings Time all droopy-eyed, unsettled, and in a daze.
That was me, quite a few years ago.
It was during the time when most, if not all clocks in the house were manually set -- you know, before cell phones and other techno gadgets made the changes for you. I actually went through half the day before I realized it was the first day of Daylight Savings Time.
Neither Michael nor I could figure out why TV programs and radio announcers seemed 'off-schedule' that day. We chalked them up as hiccups in our cable service and thought the radio announcers were just wrong.
Even when the newspaper came 'early', I still didn't get it. Now if I was like most people who actually read the Sunday paper on Sunday instead of on Monday or Tuesday like I usually do, my memory would've been jarred sooner from seeing the bold print at the top of the front page:
DID YOU REMEMBER TO SET YOUR CLOCKS UP ONE HOUR?
I guess it also proved that sometimes it's better for couples to be less in sync and more balanced-out. I mean, it would've been nice if ONE of us remembered.
Friends came over the night before and we were up pretty late. Neither of us thought anything about re-setting the clock before we turned in. We paid for it though, as we spent half the day in oblivious confusion and disorder. But you can best believe that I was alert and ready that following Monday morning.
I adjusted.
Daylight Savings Time is a change just like any other change we go through. No matter how small, change requires an adjustment. And in spite of the physical and mental challenges that we undertake on a daily basis, our bodies are not made to just jump ahead one hour and then comfortably move on. We fall into rhythms and stay there until something shakes us up.
I know some of you are probably thinking: "Oh, it's just an hour...an hour doesn't make a difference."
Well, you're right...and wrong. Yes, it is just an hour, but that hour IS the difference.
When you're accustomed to doing something for months, no matter what it is, you've got to put forth some effort to adjust to changing that habit.
You don't think an hour makes a difference? Think back to Monday when you felt a little off. Oh, I'm sure you got through the day OK, but how many times did you pass off your sluggish feelings and fuzzy thinking as typical Monday Blues? How many times did you fool yourself into believing you weren't affected at all?
There's no need to fool yourself. Adjust yourself.
Don't just get through the next few days of Daylight Savings Time; do so triumphantly.
How?
Simply.
No earth-shattering antics; no outrageous rituals. Just pure, simple behavior.
Simply change your routine.
Go to bed a little earlier for a few days or until you feel like yourself again. Refrain from Daylight Savings Time-talk. You know, the clock says it's 3:00 but it's really 2:00 type of talk that goes on for about a week after the time change.
Simple behavior -- that's all it takes -- and you'll soon be rooted in the new time with renewed energy.
Daylight Savings Time is only one type of change. But the same concept applies with any change you want to accomplish with comfort and ease. Do it simply.
Prepare for the change you want to make. Think of what it will take to feel great after you've made the change you chose to make. Think about it, then adjust your mind and body to accomplish it. Adjust to it...simply.
If you want to do something different or something new, adjust yourself and accomplish it. Make the effort to change, then accomplish your goal. But do it simply.
Want to change your money flow? Then adjust your money handling behavior. Change your saving and spending habits -- simply -- a little at a time. Ease into your new routine.
Do you crave a more interesting life? Then adjust your interests and interactions...simply. Contribute and participate. Practice a new skill or talent. Learn a new hobby. Join a community group; meet new people, get interested, get involved.
Who knew that such a lesson could be embedded within Daylight Savings Time?
Reaching any goal requires an adjustment. Whether it's a better home life or a fulfilling job you're after; whether it's more money, or a smooth transition into Daylight Savings Time. Adjust. Ease yourself into the way you want to be. But do it simply.
Focus on the target. Appreciate the run; enjoy the win. And don't just step on the finish line of your goal. Cross it triumphantly. It's the difference between mere accomplishment and Blissful victory.
~Tell Tammy~
So how about it? Did you remember to adjust your clocks on time? If not, how long did it take you to realize it? How did you manage throughout the day under the 'wrong' time? Share with us in the comment section below. We'd love to hear from you.
