When Do We Set The Clocks Forward (And Why)? Sooner Than You Think

Yes, it's time soon for something you either love or hate: Daylight Saving Time. 

Honestly, I don't think I've ever met anyone that's apathetic to it.  We either like it or we don't, simple enough.  Me, in general, I don't like it.

Now I know what you're saying. "But Behk, farmers need Daylight Saving time.  It's part of what keeps agriculture running!"  Well, actually, nah.

The truth of the matter is the agriculture industry lobbied against daylight saving time in 1919. Some believe it was then that farmers became associated with daylight saving time, even though they were only involved because they were against it.

It was explained to me that it's just annoying, particularly for, example, Dairy Farmers.  Let's say, just a scenario, they're milking the cows every day at 4:00 a.m. during DS.  Then the time changes on the clock to push things an hour back when DS ends.   So to the cows, they're getting milked now an hour later than normal. The cows are smarter than you think, but they don't get why they have to wait another hour to get milked.  And the guy coming to get the milk is coming by the clock, so the farmers can't just keep milking the cows at the same time instead of what's by the clock. If the pickup guy is coming at a set time, he's coming by that time, whether you're ready for not.  I mean, if it were me, I would imagine most farmers would rather work by the sun and just go from there.  Like, who cares what the clock says?  Bessie is used to getting milked NOW.

So who does benefit? Technically, everybody, in a roundabout way.

It was first enacted by the Federal Government during World War I as a way to conserve coal, but now the Department of Transportation is in charge of it and says that it reduces crime, and reduces traffic accidents, and it also saves energy.

So the origin was almost 100 years ago. So it's kind of an argued point as to whether that still works, especially with the rise in cyber and digital crimes, which can and do happen at any time.  And, well, they don't do it in a lot of different countries in the world, and they're doing fine.  Heck, they don't even do it in some states in the USA (Arizona, I'm looking at you). But, since it's still, you know, thought to to help by smarter people than me (aka the whole DOT), it's coming up not this weekend, but next.

So what can you do to bounce back from springing forward?  It's pretty simple. That weekend, do a few things for yourself and you won't feel it as much. Springing forward an hour can make it harder to fall asleep on time.  So, try to get some exercise, skip that extra cup of coffee in the afternoon, don't eat dinner too late, avoid alcohol,  and put your phone away one hour before you want to fall asleep.

And, make sure you note it somewhere where you'll remember.  The clocks go forward again on Sunday, March 13th at 2:00 a.m.  But if you're like me, you'll be setting them forward before bed on Saturday.

What do you think of the whole process?  Do you think we should go to one time all year round?  Should it be Daylight Savings time?  Does your schedule get changed or affected by it?

Clockingly yours,

Behka