I know, what kind of radical fascist am I to suggest such a wildly unpopular idea? What’s next, killing newborn kittens? But hear me out. I know waking up with the sun is a despised notion that’s often on par with walking barefoot over rusty forks. However, seeing as you’ve made it this far, my motivated reader, I’m going to assume you enjoy improving yourself and are open to wildly outlandish ideas.
I’m sure you’re waiting for me to disperse upon you all the health benefits of waking up early and all the ways it will contribute to your body’s well-being. Well, actually, there are no physical health benefits. But before you crawl back into bed, let me assure you the psychological benefits are awesome.
Author Mary Anne Radmacher famously said, “start everyday like it was on purpose.” When you wake up early and jump into your day headfirst, you feel better than when the day drags you in kicking and screaming, with a wrinkled shirt. Here’s how you should start your day full throttle.
1. Turn off the TV an hour before bed
Television and computer monitors stimulate your eyes and make it difficult for you to fall asleep. Instead of falling asleep to the laugh track of Seinfeld, make a cup of tea, read a book, and doze off with more natural means. You’ll fall asleep faster and sleep better. Open up the windows and let the cool summer air filter through your room as you doze to the sound of crickets.
2. Get a head start on your day
Summer is a refreshing, majestic season. Sure, the afternoons are hot and muggy, but the mornings are invigorating. If you can peel yourself off the sheets as the sun rises (or before it you’re a really daring soul) you’ll feel great all day. Not only are you starting the day right, you’re starting it before everybody else. To get into this habit, try setting your alarm just 15 minutes earlier than usual and slowly working your way to the early AM.
3. Put your alarm clock on the other side of the room (or in the bathroom)
Hey look! Your alarm clock is ringing right next to your toothbrush. Might as well brush your teeth now. If you have to get out of bed to turn off the alarm, you should probably just stay out of bed, walk out into the sunshine, and bask in the glory of a new day. Those first 15 minutes are the hardest, but if you can make it past them, you’ll stay awake and manage to get the head start on your day, which brings me to my next point.
4. Don’t just start it early, start it for a reason
The first day I tried waking up early, I set my alarm for 6am, got out of bed, had a cup of coffee, and went back to bed for three more hours. The second day, I walked to Dunkin, took pictures of the sun rising, and sipped my coffee while I strolled home. Then I showered, made breakfast, and read–all before work. Whether you enjoy journaling or jogging, have a reason for rising early.
5. You’ll accomplish more in a few hours than most people do all day
Do you want to be boring? No, of course you don’t. Do you want to be a healthy, engaging person with many interests? Obvi. Rather than falling into the usual 9-5 grind of work, take charge of your life by starting each day with something you enjoy doing purely for yourself. Use it as a time to engage in a hobby and explore your interests. You’ll be a happier person and have a happier summer when you do things for yourself, especially if you do them as soon as you wake up.
[Featured Image Credit: Chris Martin Photography]
This Summer, You Need to Make it Your Goal to Wake up Early is a post from: LifeDaily