Waking up is hard to do, especially in Minnesota during the late fall and winter months.
Do you wake up before the crack of dawn to start your day on a positive note? Getting started early makes all the difference on how the day progresses to some -- and to others, it just makes them crankier.
Unitl about six months ago, getting up very early was my daily habit. But after talking with several women on being healthier for myself, I began to force myself to sleep just a little extra in the morning. It has its advantages because I feel less tired when mid-afternoon hits, but on the flipside, I sure do miss the quiet time.
There are several advantages to getting up earlier than the rest of world, according to local working women, including:
No interruptions, no kids yelling, and no phone calls.
An extra two hours per day equals 14 hours per week, which, if you continue to multiply out, equals 30 extra days a year to get things done.
Waking up early is one of the secrets to success, according to successful people.
You will be less likely to procrastinate.
Builds discipline.
You will have a mental edge over other people.
Builds momentum for the day ahead.
That list makes sense, but does everyone have an early-rise habit? I asked others and here are their answers:
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“No. No. No. And no. Let’s normalize getting a good night’s sleep. Not everyone is a morning person. Someone may be more successful by going to bed at 4:30 a.m.”
“Nope. If super-early works for someone else, that’s great, but unless the sunrise is at that time, then it’s not going to happen. We prefer ocular sets for optimal health. I use the natural hours built into each day and accept natural limitations, so my family and I can be happy and healthy.”
“My observations are that our body clock sets itself and tells us what we need. Consciously trying to change that can be a burden as it’s fighting against our nature. Some people find this peace and productivity in the evening . . . there is no right or wrong way, just what works for you.”
“I started getting up this early years ago. I’m a ‘late night’ person, so this was a disciplined decision. Love my early-morning time.”
“Considering I don’t usually go to bed until almost 11 p.m., I would be dead on my feet if I tried getting up that early. Not everyone can get up that early. Find your own rhythm.”
“I think it is a personal choice, and people have to decide what is best for them, personally and professionally. I am up at 5 a.m. because that works for me, but what works for me doesn’t work for the next person.”
“We all have the best wake up time that works for ourselves. As long as you are happy with everything you have accomplished that day.”
It’s easy to see both sides, but what I most agree with is getting enough sleep to be happy, healthy and productive. Does it really matter if you are up while it is still dark outside or if you stay up to see the sun rise prior to getting to bed? No, it doesn’t. If it works for you, that is all that matters.
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Kristen Asleson is owner of Midwest Virtual Assistants. Send comments and ideas to news@postbulletin.com .
