Spring brings longer days and a boost to the psyche

When I made my earthly debut on the first day of spring back in 1960-something, Mom considered for a moment that perhaps I should be named for that most lovely season. ?If things had gone that way, my name today would be Spring Scott.?

My parents finally landed on “Cheryl,” which is okay by me.? I have to say, though, I enjoy the fact that my birthday falls on the first day of the season that’s synonymous with sunshine, flowers, warmer weather, and—best of all--longer days!?

Beginning with the winter solstice, daylight stretches into the evening very slowly, by mere seconds!? Still, each year I look out to our backyard and the evening sky in late December and proclaim, “I can tell the days are getting longer!”? It may be just my imagination that the few seconds are noticeable, but it’s a mood-booster nonetheless.?

The most significant shift in daylight will happen on March 10 this year when California springs forward to Daylight Savings Time, meaning our mornings will be dark longer but daylight will extend more into the evening.? I’m not against Standard Time, but more sunshine makes me happy. Longer days means more time for pickleball with friends, evening walks at the park, drives through Kern County’s wildflower-imbued hills, or evening barbecues!

The longer days of springtime can even bring out the best dispositions in many of us who sometimes feel a little low during the winter months.? For me, it’s the foggy and damp days of January that are the most difficult.? But those days are behind us now and it’s time to relish the extra moments of sunshine which actually increase one of the body’s “feel good” chemicals, serotonin.

What will you do differently now that the days are longer?? Here are some of my plans for Daylight Savings Time:

Staying awake later—Family and close friends know that I appreciate a good sleep, and I’m an “early to bed, early to rise,” person.? Whether it’s an afternoon nap on the weekend, or hitting the sack as soon as my eyes start to droop at night, I recognize the importance of resting and recharging.? Unfortunately, in the wintertime that means I may be out for the night as early as 8:00 p.m. or so.? Talk about cutting into my free time and social life!? I’ll never be a night owl, but the warmer and longer days make it easier to stay awake just a little longer so I can enjoy more quality time with family and friends.?

More outdoor playtime—Playtime is important at any age!? As a young girl, evening baseball games in the street and playing hide-and-seek with neighborhood friends are some of my favorite memories.? I remember staying outside until Mom opened the front door and yelled that it was time to come inside (and this time, she really meant it!).? Some of my most memorable times in high school were tennis matches or practice sessions that stretched late into the afternoon.? I never wanted those afternoons to end.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve discovered the laughter and joy that comes from evening pickleball games with friends.? Monday night games with my pickleball girls make me feel like a kid again!?? Sunset walks on the bike path, or an evening run, bring me a sense of calm while getting exercise and enjoying the outdoors.? And a leisurely drive through the wildflowers east of Arvin is always a favorite for me!

Evening gatherings—A favorite tradition for my family, dating back to when I was a child and continuing today with my own adult children, is spending time in the backyard with family and friends. ?Evenings together usually include grilled burgers or maybe a potluck, and often a Dodgers watch party, too.? Even more special than Dodgers on the patio television, of course, is heading down to Chavez Ravine to watch the Dodgers play in person! ?As the sun stretches to the horizon, our spring evenings can still be a little chilly.? That’s when it’s time to huddle around the backyard fire pit with a favorite beverage and relax with the people we love.

Whatever springtime means to you, however you intend to use the longer days, I hope you enjoy the season as much as I will.? May the beauty, warmth, and longer days bring us all an emotional lift, more time with family and friends, and a sense of renewal and hope.??

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