With all the extra energy you’ve stockpiled from your extra hour’s sleep (presuming you turned the clocks back for standard time), don’t allow yourself to give in to the temptation of squandering this beautiful day by over-raking your yard. And in the name of all that’s holy, don’t use a leaf-blower! A few extra leaves are actually good for the environment. They insulate the grass in winter, enrich the soil, provide a habitat for wildlife, and protect against frost and erosion. Not too many leaves, mind you, but having a few around is actually a pretty good thing.

However, if you’re one of those type-A personalities who simply must do something, why not consider turning your yard work into avant-garde work? Go the “backyard circus” route and invite the neighbors over for an impromptu performance of Karlheinz Stockhausen’s “Herbtsmusik” (“Autumn Music”).