Springing Forward in Law School: How to Make Up for the Lost Hour on Sunday
Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2:00 AM, when clocks “spring forward” one hour. Originally introduced to maximize daylight hours and conserve energy, this biannual time change means we lose an hour of sleep but gain more evening sunlight. While the goal is efficiency, for law students juggling reading assignments, outlining, and practice exams, even a small disruption can throw off an already packed schedule. Instead of letting the lost hour set you back, use these simple strategies to reclaim your time and keep your study routine on track.
1️⃣ Wake Up at Your Usual Time (Even if It Hurts a Little)
It might be tempting to sleep in on Sunday, but keeping your wake-up time consistent (based on the new clock) will help you adjust faster and avoid feeling sluggish on Monday. If you usually wake up at 8:00 AM, get up at 8:00 AM new time—even if it feels like 7:00 AM. One groggy morning is better than throwing off your sleep schedule for the rest of the week.
2️⃣ Trim a Few Minutes Off Your Breaks
You don’t need to dedicate an entire extra hour to studying to make up for lost time—you can find small moments throughout the day. Try cutting your usual 10-minute breaks down to 7 minutes, finishing lunch five minutes faster, or skipping a quick social media scroll between study blocks. These tiny adjustments add up without making your day feel overloaded.
3️⃣ Use Passive Review During Routine Tasks
Even if you’re short on time, you can still fit in some review while going about your daily routine. Listen to a recorded lecture while making breakfast, flip through flashcards while waiting in line for coffee, or mentally outline your next case brief while brushing your teeth. By turning mundane moments into quick study sessions, you gain extra minutes without adding extra stress.
4️⃣ Try a ‘Lightning Round’ Review Session
A full hour of studying might not fit into your Sunday schedule, but a 20-minute high-intensity review session can be just as effective. Set a timer and spend five minutes reviewing key rules for four different subjects, answer five multiple-choice questions on past material, or do a brain dump where you write down everything you remember about a tough topic. Short, focused bursts of studying help reinforce concepts without feeling overwhelming.
5️⃣ Adjust Your Sleep Schedule for the Week Ahead
If losing an hour of sleep leaves you feeling groggy, don’t make the mistake of pushing through by staying up later to study. Instead, start winding down 15 minutes earlier for the next few nights, avoid screens an hour before bed, and cut back on caffeine in the evening. A well-rested brain processes information more effectively, so prioritizing quality sleep will make your study sessions more productive.
Losing an hour might feel like a setback, but it doesn’t have to derail your law school routine. By making small tweaks—shortening breaks, incorporating passive review, and using short study bursts—you can stay on track without feeling overwhelmed. Time management in law school isn’t about cramming more in; it’s about using your time wisely. Set your clocks forward, make a plan, and keep moving forward.
