For those of you who just “sprang forward” into daylight savings time, that first morning can be a little rough. As a time management seminar presenter at a weekend conference, I was already an hour ahead of my normal time even before the switch, and then suddenly 5:30 a.m. becomes 4:30 a.m., which is really 3:30 a.m. in my time zone–the typical travel scenario.

At first it seems so much easier in the fall when you feel you won an extra hour of sleep, yet after that first spring day’s change settles in, doesn’t it seem like you suddenly have more time to do things? There is something both symbolic and physiological about having daylight extend into the evenings.

Driving home from work with the sun shining lifts my mood. I think about a quick run before dinner or a walk later in the evening on those days when I’ve had to leave too early for a morning workout. Even social activities, whether indoor or outdoor, are so much more appealing when I’m not heading out again in the dark. That slight change of one hour can add up to so much more time in terms of productivity.

In contrast, those early dark hours during the winter months are more likely to find me settled in front of the computer instead of an outside activity. Many people in colder climes experience SDS, Seasonal Disorder Syndrome. It is a state of depression, when everything you do can involve major effort. Both the energy to tackle tasks and general interest in life are lacking.

After you have recovered from this forward time switch, make a note of the things you do in the evenings. What changes can you make in daily routines that will be both invigorating and productive?

For several years, Congress has been considering a change in the daylight savings period to extend this time but has been stymied by various interest groups. If you find this time change as stimulating as I do, consider letting your local representative know that you support an extended period of daylight savings in the future.