A Case For Waking Up Early

An Experiment/Work In Progress

This week, my husband starts a new job, and for the first couple of days of training he has to get up at 4:30 to start at 6. Impulsively, I decided to get up with him and start my days early. What could be better! Even though I struggle to get up early, I do enjoy mornings (probably because they usually involve coffee and books 😁).

Day 1: Tuesday

Oh. Man. I had the best morning! He and I enjoyed coffee and donuts (#treatyoself) together before he had to leave, and then I read my Bible and prayed, wrote in my wellness journal, read for a little bit, folded some laundry, biked for 20 minutes (which was an awesome ride!), stretched, showered AND shaved (bonus points lol), all before my 2-year-old woke up at 7. Score! I’ve been in such a good mood for the whole morning, all because I started my day off on the right foot.

I got myself and the kiddo some breakfast, did my hair and makeup, got us and our stuff ready to go out the door, and we didn’t have to rush (and I wasn’t in a stress-induced panic) to make sure I got her to my parents’ house and me to work on time. My toddler is the queen of dawdling, but it wasn’t a problem this morning. (MAJOR win right there!)

There were some ups and downs through the rest of the day, but overall I felt like I had my stuff together because I started my day off on the right foot.

Day 2: Wednesday

Today I wasn’t as energized as yesterday, but I still did it! I got my quiet time in, did a couple of 10 minute workouts (short, but efficient!), and got myself ready for the day.

It reminds me of James Clear’s book “Atomic Habits” (I’ve mentioned it before and I know I’ll mention it again… this book is gold!)… One baby step (such as a 10 minute exercise) may not seem like much, but he calls these small steps “votes” for the person you choose to be, the goal you are choosing to pursue. I did 2 short workouts this morning, which are 2 more votes for becoming a stronger me!

Day 3: Thursday

Today I had to give myself a pep talk. Every other time I’ve started a new habit, it’s always a few days in that I want to give up. I actually wrote my pep talk in my wellness journal:

“Don’t give up! You’ve done ‘the impossible’ and gotten up at 4:30 am for 3 days in a row now! Every exercise you do is a vote for getting stronger! It may not feel like it yet, but you are forming new habits and morphing into the person you aspire to be. Don’t give up now!”

“It may not feel like it yet, but you are forming new habits and morphing into the person you aspire to be. Don’t give up now!”

And I got it done.

Day 4: Friday

Ready for this? Today I took a day off.

Yesterday I had to give myself a pep talk about not giving up. Today I had to allow myself to rest. I’m sure I sound like I’m contradicting myself, but I’m not. Let me explain:

Yesterday I felt like giving up. I wanted to quit because “I didn’t feel like it.” Today, I had to allow myself a rest day because I could tell I needed it: I felt exhausted most of the day yesterday, like all I wanted was a nap and to drink coffee all day. This morning I woke up with a headache, so I allowed myself to “sleep in” til 7:30 and I didn’t do any exercise. I still have a headache, and I’m glad I allowed myself to rest this morning.

Here’s another difference between yesterday and today: even though I took the day off, I hope to pick it back up tomorrow, and I’ll continue making healthy choices, including allowing myself to rest when I know I need it. Sometimes, that kind of choice is the one that makes us stronger!

I’ll continue making healthy choices, including allowing myself to rest when I know I need it. Sometimes, that kind of choice is the one that makes us stronger!

Conclusion: I’m not gonna lie…

This is where this experiment ended. No, let me rephrase that. This is where this phase of this experiment ended; I’m not finished with it yet! I need to figure out how to get it all in balance, because I work an irregular schedule, and it’s so hard to get into a routine (which honestly KILLS me!).

Last night I worked the later shift and got home at 9:45. (And it takes me sooo long to wind down after this shift; I was up til 11:30.) This morning I need to leave at 7:35 (very soon).

A couple of things I think I need to work on to support getting up early:

• Good sleep hygiene. Learn how to wind down in the evening (especially after working late); do what I can to get enough sleep
• Refueling. I think my headache and lack of energy were due in part to not refueling myself well enough after working out. It may be I’m not getting enough protein after working my muscles so hard, or not enough energizing carbs.

Maybe I should plan to get up early only on certain days. It’s still progress! Again, these little steps forward may not seem like much, but they add up!

Please note: I am not a medical practitioner; my thoughts are based on my own experience and research in supporting my own health journey. Please see your doctor about any questions you have or decisions you want to make about your health.