It’s official. I’m an adult. How am I so sure, you ask? Because it’s impossible for me to sleep past 8 a.m. Remember our teenage days from yesteryear when we could sleep all day? And our parents would just come check on us every hour to make sure we still had a pulse? Times have certainly changed. As hard as it was to let go of those days, I must admit that being the early bird I have become has helped make me a more pleasant and productive person. Whether it’s a Tuesday or a Sunday, I can truly say that I start each morning clearheaded, open minded, energized and ready to take on what ever is thrown at me.
One of the most beneficial things that come from waking up before the run rises (I swear, sometimes I don’t even know who I am anymore) is getting to work early. Starting my day in an empty, quiet office has become an essential part of my productivity… and not to mention mental stability. By the time the office starts to fill up, I’ve already crossed a few things off my to-do list. Here are some other ways a 5 a.m. wakeup time enhances my daily routine:
Time to Exercise
Sure, exercising after work is always an option but for me, it’s the very last thing I want to do following 8 hours of writing, pitching and conference calls. But kick starting the day with a rush of endorphins provides a clear path to early morning bliss. Committing to a morning workout also means you’re more likely to actually go through with it. Waiting until after work is always risky because things tend to come up that pulls you away from your scheduled workout.
Leisure Mornings
Having time for myself in the morning before I dedicate a full day to serving my clients is crucial. Rolling out of bed, throwing clothes on and running out the door does not cut it for me. It’s happened a few times and I’m a frantic mess the entire day. Being able to relax after my workout, eat breakfast, watch my crew on the Today Show and most importantly, enjoy a nice cup of coffee puts me in the most calm and peaceful state of mind and leaves me feeling confident as I prepare to start the work day.
Easier Commutes
If you’re anything like me, sitting in traffic puts you in an instant bad mood. And a burst of road rage is really no way to start your day. Skip rush hour by hitting the road just 30 minutes earlier and beat the congestion that sends us all into a tizzy. As odd as it may sound, I have this weird appreciation for my morning drives to work – the open road, good tunes and time to prep my mind for the day is a recipe for pure joy.
So now, I challenge you to wake up an hour before you usually do and see how having that extra time in the morning positively impacts your day.
