Spring Forward 2026: Easy Time Change Tips That Work

🐊 KNGT 🐊 | Louisiana — Every year about this time, I start hearing folks around Southwest Louisiana say the same thing… “Man, that time change got me messed up.” And, I’m right there with y’all.

One minute we cruising along, next thing you know that alarm clock hits different. You feel like you stayed up all night at a Mardi Gras ball… but nope, it’s just Daylight Saving Time sneaking up on us again.

This year we “Spring Forward” on March 8, 2026, and if you’re like me juggling radio mornings on Gator 99.5, family time with Laura and Hannah, and trying to stay awake on the way to "Real Work"… you gotta have a plan.

Tips for Time Change this Spring.

First off, start moving your bedtime earlier. Just 15 or 20 minutes a night, a couple days before the change. It don’t sound like much, but it helps your body get ready. I started doing that last year, and I didn’t feel near as cranky on Monday.

Next, move your daily routine up a little too. Eat supper earlier. Take your walk earlier. Even your coffee. Your body likes rhythm, kinda like a good country song.

Sunday morning, try to get outside. That Southwest Louisiana sunshine works better than any alarm clock. Go sit on the porch, feed the dog, wave at your neighbor. That light helps reset your brain.

Also, skip them afternoon naps. I know… that couch nap hits good after a long day, but it makes going to bed early tough. And maybe ease up on the late coffee too. I learned that the hard way before a big Men Wear Pink event one year… wide awake at midnight staring at the ceiling.

And don’t forget this one. When you change your clocks, change your smoke detector batteries too. Takes two minutes. Could save your life.

Time change always gonna mess with us a little. That’s just part of it. But with a few small steps, you can make it easier.

So set them clocks, grab an extra cup of coffee or a loaded tea, and let’s get through it together, Lake Charles. And hey… at least we get more sunshine in the evening for crawfish boils and porch sittin’. That part ain’t so bad.