6 ways to use the clocks going back to improve your relationships. READ

When the clocks go back on Saturday night, most of us will use the extra hour to get a little more sleep. And while this might be very tempting, why not make it really count and use it to invest in one of the relationships in your life?
Many of us find it
hard to make the time for our loved ones. Our recent study of the nation’s relationships found that we spend a lot more time with our bosses than with our mums (38% of those in employment see their boss every day compared to only 27% for mums) and that nearly half (47%) of people with children under five (and who are in a couple relationship) never or rarely engage in outside interests with their partner, compared to 27% without children.
But taking the time to reconnect with loved ones doesn't have to mean completely rearranging your schedule. Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that count.
With that in mind, why not get up at the same time as usual on Sunday and try out any of the following?

• Call someone to say ‘I love you’. Why not call somebody close to you like your mum, dad, grandma or son or daughter and tell them how much you care. Sometimes it’s nice to hear those three little words out loud
• Have a romantic lie in. Let your alarm clock go off at the usual time but instead of getting out of bed, spend the extra hour cuddling with your partner and anything else that might lead to. Taking the time to be physical with our partner is an important part of the relationship
• Set up a dating profile. If you’re single and would like to meet someone, online dating is a great way to get out there. An hour’s a perfect amount of time to set up a profile on a dating website and officially put yourself back on the market 
• Reply to texts and emails. That doesn’t mean work emails, but maybe replying to that friend who texted you earlier in the week, or getting back in touch with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while
• Have a sit down breakfast. How many families manage to sit round the table for breakfast these days? Often it’s simply not feasible but with an extra hour to spare, why not prepare a fry-up or a delicious fruit salad with yoghurt for the whole family as a treat
• Invest in yourself. If you’ve been really busy lately and are feeling exhausted, the best thing for you and your relationships may actually be to treat yourself to some ‘me time’.  Perhaps read a book or do something creative like playing an instrument or drawing