Fall Back Tonight: 11 Ways to Make Your Extra Hour Count
Tonight, most of us across North America will fall back, turning our clocks back an hour as daylight saving time comes to an end. By Sunday morning, we'll have an extra 60 minutes on our hands.
Of course, our phones and other electronics make the change automatically, so we barely notice it happened. That's why I love having one old-fashioned clock in my house. I have to open the back panel and manually move the big hand back an hour. It's my little ritual for fully embracing those extra 60 minutes in real time!
Do I always use that hour wisely? Not really.
But this year, why not join me in trying something different?
As I explored in my earlier blog about falling back, turning back the clock can represent more than a change in time. It can be an invitation to shift our mindset, slow down, reflect, and reset our internal rhythms.
And perhaps that extra hour could become the beginning of something more lasting.
I found some wonderful suggestions from Sleep.com for making the most of our bonus hour. Think of them as opportunities to experiment with a new habit — one devoted to taking care of ourselves in a thoughtful, intentional way.
Maybe we start with just one hour this weekend. But if it feels good, why not make it a weekly or monthly ritual?
Here are 11 ways to turn that extra hour into something meaningful:
🟢 Read a chapter of a book. Instead of doomscrolling our bonus hour away, settle in with a good book. A little uninterrupted reading might be just what we need to create a calmer headspace for the week ahead.
🟢 Listen to music. Music can help us relax, relieve stress, and lift our mood. Explore these seven songs for better sleep, or simply put on something that makes you feel good.
🟢 Go for a walk outdoors. Autumn is a wonderful time to reconnect with nature. We don't need mountains or hiking trails to enjoy the benefits. A neighborhood stroll or a little forest bathing can help us feel grounded. Try these walking meditation tips.
🟢 Move your body. Exercise benefits our hearts, moods, and sleep. Whether it's stretching, yoga, or gentle movement, find something that feels good. Here are seven exercises that may improve sleep.
🟢 Try a new recipe. Rather than engage in our usual midweek fridge foraging, spend that bonus hour experimenting with a recipe or planning something special for the upcoming holidays.
🟢 Get crafty. Working with our hands can give our minds a welcome break. And there's research to suggest that creative activities are associated with greater happiness and life satisfaction. A 2024 study in Frontiers in Public Health explored this connection.
🟢 Cuddle up! Stay in bed a little longer and enjoy some closeness with a loved one, whether that's a human partner or a beloved pet. Affection and connection can be wonderfully restorative.
🟢 Meditate. Even a few minutes of mindfulness can help us settle our thoughts and ease stress. No elaborate routine required! If you're curious about getting started, explore these meditation apps.
🟢 Create a sleep sanctuary. Why wait for spring cleaning? Declutter your bedroom, introduce some calming colors, or add a few cozy autumn touches. A cool, dark, quiet environment can help promote more restful sleep.
🟢 Get ready for Election Day. With November 3 just around the corner, use that extra hour to research candidates and issues that matter to you. Being informed and prepared is another way to feel more intentional about how we spend our time.
🟢 Take a nap! Finally, an oldie but a goodie. Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is absolutely nothing. A short, restorative nap might be exactly what we need. Here are some tips for napping well.
One extra hour. One intentional choice.
We can't always control the demands on our time. But we can become more intentional about how we use the moments that are truly ours.
So, this weekend, instead of simply gaining an hour on the clock, why not give ourselves an hour of something we really need — and want — to do.
Rest. Reflect. Connect. Create. Renew.
If you need help with anything that was shared in this blog, or want to share your thoughts, book a Discovery Call below. I'm here to listen and help you map your path forward.
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