We have all heard the jokes about the time change. Getting up in the dark, driving home in the dark, or trying to figure out why it feels like 10:00PM when it’s only 6:00PM
But it is more than mere inconvenience. Changes in daylight and sleep patterns can affect our mood, energy, concentration, and patience. We may find ourselves more tired, a little more irritable, less motivated, or simply not feeling like ourselves.
This matters when we are dads. Think about it. When we are tired, stressed, or mentally drained, how does that affect the way we interact with our children? How quickly do we get frustrated? How present are we when they want our attention? How much patience do we have when things don't go according to plan? How well do we keep our commitments?
Our children don't necessarily understand that we are tired because of the time change. They experience how we respond to them. That means we need to be intentional with how we interact with our kids. I’ve said it before, it doesn’t have to be perfect.
Here are three things we can do to challenge some of these effects:
1. Be intentional about sleep and routine.
Our bodies need consistency. Try to maintain regular sleep and wake times, get some natural sunlight during the day, and give yourself time to wind down at night (not doom scrolling or online). Taking care of our physical needs is part of taking care of our mental health.
2. Move your body and get outside.
Take a walk, get outside with your kids, or spend a little time doing something active. Physical activity and exposure to natural light can help support our mood, energy, and overall well-being. It doesn't have to be an elaborate workout and that sunlight is needed.
3. Recognize when you need to slow down.
This one is important. When we are tired or mentally drained, we need to recognize so we don’t allow it to dictate how we treat others. Take a breath before responding. Give yourself a few minutes to reset. Be willing to tell your family that you're having a difficult day without making them responsible for your feelings.
Remember, our children are watching how we handle the days when we don't feel our best. They are learning something from how we manage frustration, take care of ourselves, and respond when life gets a little harder.
Being a dad isn't about having unlimited patience or energy. It's about being intentional with what we have and recognizing when we need to make adjustments. Taking care of ourselves is taking care of our families.
So, dads, here's my question:
What do you personally do to challenge the effects of the time change? How do you manage the changes in your mood, energy, and motivation so that they don't negatively affect how you show up for your family?
I'd genuinely like to hear what works for you. We can learn a lot from one another.
Leave a Reply