Chasing Daylight

Defining Moment

Twice a year, we do something absurd—we mess with time itself. Some dread it, others shrug it off, and a few treat it like a national holiday. My wife and I? We embrace the change, even if it throws us for a loop.

How about you?

Right now, we’re finally on the good side of the time shift—the one where daylight stretches like an open road, wide and waiting. The one where you get home from work and still have time to actually live.

Yes, I’m talking about Daylight Saving Time (DST)—the MVP of clock changes. But DST isn’t the defining moment. It’s just the spark.

By definition, a moment is “a very brief period of time.” We might think changing the clocks is the moment—but it’s not. The real moment is the daylight itself. DST doesn’t just shift the clock; it shifts how much light we get.

That extra hour of afternoon sunlight can be a game-changer—but only if we seize it.

Daylight isn’t just extra time—it’s fuel. It rewires your brain, boosts your energy, and shapes your outlook.

So let’s break it down:

• Why DST is the best time shift of the year
• How to adjust fast
• How to make the most of every sunlit second

1. Why DST is a Game-Changer

More daylight means more life to enjoy. Here’s why DST is the best time shift of the year:

• More Time for Adventure – That extra hour of sunlight is like getting 60 bonus minutes of fun every evening. No more rushing home before dark—you’ve got time for a hike, bike ride, or kayak session before dinner.
• The World Feels More Alive – When it’s light out, people do things. Parks buzz, trails hum, and there’s an energy in the air. It’s like someone flipped on the party lights and shouted, "Let’s go!"
• Your Inner Kid Reawakens – Remember when staying outside until dark was an Olympic sport? DST lets you relive that magic—pickup games, sunset strolls, or spontaneous drives.
• Post-Work Freedom – Suddenly, work isn’t the final boss of the day. That extra daylight gives you a get-out-of-jail-free card—grill outside, read on the porch, or just soak up the sun.
• A Natural Brain & Body Boost – More daylight means more Vitamin D, which improves mood, sleep, and focus. Sunlight boosts serotonin (the “feel-good” chemical), making DST a natural brain upgrade.

2. How to Adjust to the Time Shift

DST is awesome—until your internal clock freaks out. Here’s how to adjust fast and get back to peak form:

• Eat Small Meals Earlier – Your body syncs with meal times. Have breakfast as the sun rises and keep meals earlier to adjust faster.
• Get Outside Early – Sunlight is nature’s reset button. A quick morning walk, jog, or even coffee on the porch will regulate melatonin levels and keep your brain sharp.
• Skip the Afternoon Nap – That first week, the couch will call your name. Resist! Stay active, and you’ll adjust quicker.
• Shift Your Sleep Schedule – Start waking up and going to bed a bit earlier each day. No excuses—just set the alarm.
• Soak Up the Sun – Barb’s top tip: Get at least 20 minutes of daylight daily. It’s the simplest way to reset your internal clock and make the most of DST.

Give it a few days, keep moving, and you’ll be running on DST like a pro—ready to seize every sunlit second.

3. How to Use the Time Shift to Hack Life

Adjusting is one thing—maximizing it is where the fun begins.

We’ve only got so many long evenings before summer turns us into human sweat machines and the days shrink again. Let’s use every golden hour wisely.

Here are my Top Hacks for Making the Most of DST:

Go for a Sunset Hike (The Awareness Hack)

Evening hikes are magic. The air is cooler, the trails are quieter, and the view? Worth every step.

Nature is the best classroom—just ask George Washington Carver, who walked the woods daily to learn. His inspiration? Job 12:7-8—
"Ask the animals, and they will teach you; speak to the earth, and it will instruct you."

DST hands us an extra hour to tap into that wisdom. Use it well.

Take the Bike Out for a Spin (The Mood & Body Hack)

Ever complained about not having time to ride after work? DST just erased your excuse.

A quick post-work ride can flip your mindset from “long day” to “let’s roll”—all while the sun cheers you on.

Why it works:

• Boosts mood
• Enhances cognitive function
• Reduces stress
• Improves cardiovascular health

Hit the Water (The EQ Hack)

One of my favorite things? Kayaking with Barb during golden hour.

Less boat traffic, calmer waters, and a sunset that’s hard to beat.

Science backs it up—being near water:

• Reduces stress
• Activates relaxation
• Improves mental health

Find your go-to water spot and make it a weekly ritual.

Schedule a Weekly Adventure (The Productivity Hack)

The key to maximizing DST? Plan ahead. Pick one evening a week for an outdoor activity—a hike, bike ride, or scenic walk.

Here’s why it works:

• It builds connection with those who join you.
• It creates anticipation (something to look forward to).
• It provides cognitive rest—reducing stress and improving focus.

Let the outdoors be your out-of-office getaway.

Grill & Chill (The Ultimate Life Hack)

Not every adventure needs to be high-energy. Sometimes, the best way to use daylight is to slow down.

• Fire up the grill.
• Share some dark chocolate.
• Soak in the sunset with people who matter.

Why it works:

• Reduces stress – Lowers cortisol, promotes relaxation.
• Boosts social bonds – Crucial for emotional and cognitive health.
• Enhances brain function – Dark chocolate’s flavonoids improve memory and mood.
• Sparks creativity – A relaxed mind is an open mind.

But Wait, There’s More—Give Yourself Grace

A few years back, Barb and I completely botched the DST shift.

We thought we had it down—until we showed up an hour late to a friend’s daughter’s baptism. Not only did we miss the service—we also missed our sunrise coffee.

That missed baptism was a wake-up call—time doesn’t wait for anyone.

Every year, these long evenings slip away fast. Before long, we’ll face 5 PM darkness again. As Moses wrote in Psalm 90:12—
"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

It’s a reminder—those golden hours are fleeting. Each one is a chance to live wiser. Let’s make them count!

Take the 7-Day DST Challenge!

Decide today to make the most of every extra hour.

Here’s how:
✔️ Plan one adventure this week—use the daylight before it’s gone.
✔️ Step outside daily—even a short walk boosts energy and focus.
✔️ Own your mornings and nights—start strong, end intentionally.

With DST back, we’re embracing the golden hours—join us!

What will you do with your extra daylight?
Tag your experience with #DSTAwesomeChallenge—we can’t wait to see how you make DST count!