Wow! Wake up! It’s 6:00 a.m. Don’t you love when someone else tells you that? I also just love waking up really early in the morning…said no one ever. If you do say this, tell me more of your secrets please! Now for the reason we are here. I actually do enjoy waking up more in the mornings for the last few years. Until marriage, you couldn’t bother me at least until brunch time.
Old Julie, A.K.A the Night Owl.
So, let’s get something straight, I never intentionally wanted to become a morning person. I always saw the chirpy happy people at work going around saying good morning to everyone like it was actually a good thing to be at work that early in the morning and enjoy it. And, I sort of envied these people. Also I wished they would stop screaming so loud this early. I was on the straight path of night classes, dinner after 8:00 p.m. accompanied by a solid four hours of homework. Some Netflix, (don’t lie, you stay up watching too many shows past your bedtime too) and finally going to bed at least after midnight. This seemed fine and dandy to me. It felt like a great schedule.
There were some benefits to this style of life. On the plus side I never had to spend money on breakfast because I always woke up too late. Another benefit was that I never became a coffee drinker because of this habit. I know, I know, how does one survive without coffee? Well I wouldn’t know. So, let’s transition into the start of the changes.
My Husband, the Reason it All Changed.
When we first got married, we were on such separate times and schedules it was hard for us to get into a routine. Either one of us was really hungry and ready to eat while the other couldn’t bear to eat at this hour. My husband has always been a morning person. Well, he has to wake up in the morning but doesn’t necessarily like it. For me, the second any type of alarm goes off I’m awake. Being blessed with genes that allowed me to sleep like a scared mouse. Even the sightless noise or movement and your girl was wide awake. So, every time that alarm goes off in the morning you beat I am wide awake. Now if you are the type of sleeper that can go back to sleep after such ruckus I applaud you. This is still true to this day.
After many nights, I learned that when that alarm goes off, the whole family including my dog will be awake for the day. I look at it like a little blessing in disguise, I wasn’t aware of how this would change my attitude and enjoyment of life for the better, but we will get to that later. Now back to the alarm. I won’t lie, it felt like I was slowly dying on the inside every time I heard that horrendous beeping sound. It took many months for the noise to become less aggravating and just a normal part of my routine. Slowly but surely, I became your average joe of the morning who might actually enjoy the mornings?
The New Morning Routine
As I said before I actually have become a morning person. My routine accidentally changed as soon as I got married and there was more than just one routine trying to accommodate us as a couple. Let’s talk about the new morning routine. So, most days we wake up together. This is so powerful in a relationship I have found; your first interaction is with your partner. Nothing else in the world matters yet just this sweet and small interaction with one another.
Next, the thing to think about is that I still don’t have to work until at least 8:00 a.m. or have classes this early. Waking up by 6:00 a.m. has actually allowed me to enjoy my mornings. Give myself proper time to wake up, make time for the things I want to do, and not be groggy and rushing out the door like a maniac to try and make it on time to work or school.
It’s a weird twist of fate to start enjoying my mornings. I actually now prefer also to get all my work, errands and school out of the way as early as possible. Do you want to know why? Afternoons that’s why. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a relaxing afternoon? Maybe go see a movie in the middle of the day? The secret is to get everything you have to do done as soon as possible in the day to make room for the things that are truly important to you either in the afternoon or early evening.
The Steps to Becoming a Morning Person
Moving on. If you would’ve asked me several years ago if I ever thought I would be a morning person I would’ve laughed at myself. Well, the irony is truly funny. The joke is on myself, five years ago when I was wasting all my time. I have always been a highly motivated person, but I never felt like I had the time to do anything or the real struggle of getting up and actually do something. Well, I now am eager to take on new projects, and more adventure constantly which has created more fulfillment in my life.
I’ve thought about some steps that can be taken if you are feeling adventurous and want to try this for yourself. The first thing to remember is that it’s not an overnight process (well it is, but you know what I mean). And, the very first step is to just set your alarm five minutes earlier. The hard part in the morning is resisting that oh so tempting snooze button. I would then recommend moving your alarm clock back another minute each day until you meet your goal. Honestly this gets easier each day with a little practice.
My next tip for you is to allow time in the morning for yourself. Allow yourself that extra 15 minutes to do something that you enjoy. This will make morning more enjoyable and you might actually look forward to mornings now. Maybe this time is saved for you to catch a quick tv show, or do your devotionals, maybe even just to cook yourself a nice meal. Doing this small thing for yourself will make you feel less rushed. If you are a really anxious person like me, it might even help you with your anxiety in the morning.
Why Being a Morning Person is Actually Beneficial?
I found that throughout the day I am much more likely to get everything I need to get done, done that day. Having this massive amount of time that I can finish my to-do list throughout the day feels like time is actually on my side and not working against me. I feel more productive; I am excited to go to work, and I am excited to go to class and learn something. It feels like I have more energy now too. Especially when I give myself enough time to wake up and do something for myself in the morning. This can be something that is really powerful to have. I feel like I have control over my life, and as though I get to decide how I want to dedicate my time, and when to.
If You Suffer Anxiety, Read This.
Finally, if you read my last blog you know that I suffer from horrible anxiety. Just awful; sometimes it cripples me from doing anything. I have personally noticed that since changing my routine and really taking control of my own time, that I have not had as much anxiety. My anxiety has tremendously lowered in the mornings. I owe this to again slowing down, and not rushing myself.
I am a strong believer that your feelings in the morning can set the tone for the rest of the day. When I was waking up so much later, I barely had enough time to get ready. I was causing myself unnecessary anxiety, and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get out the door quick enough, or that I forgot something. Most days I forgot my lunch and we all know working while being hangry is serious business. If there is anything I have learned through my anxiety journey is to give myself a break. Let this ease the anxiety, not make it worse.
Just Wake Up. DO IT.
Really my final thought and points are that I would like to challenge you to becoming a morning person.See if you can and see how your mindset can change. You might just surprise yourself and enjoy your new early morning routine. Either way I would love to hear about your routine down below, and how survive your days. If you want to check out more fabulous work from my fellow authors, please check out our Instagram!
