It’s early in the morning, at the break of dawn when the sun’s first rays begin to shine through. You may think how nice it would be to see a majestic sunrise. Nonetheless, you’re still in bed, snoozing away, oblivious to when your alarm will ring. Next thing you know, it’s almost 11 a.m. or even noon! You got off to a late start after a late night, you have your meals a bit later than usual and you get on with your day to accomplish your tasks.
Like most other people, I tend to be a night owl. I might get up a little later than 9 a.m. and go to sleep later than midnight a lot of times. But lately, I’ve been experimenting with my circadian rhythm by trying to become an early riser. And it’s not just because of early morning classes that I’m required to take just like any other college student. In fact, it’s not just getting up early and going to sleep early that I’m trying to abide by. I’m making small adjustments in my daily routine so that I can maintain good habits in the future.
Here are some ideas that I’ve tried:
1. Drinking a lot of water.
Yes, water is the purest and most universal solvent. It is vital for living organisms. We cannot thrive without it. However, many underestimate how simply effective it is. I’m drinking three to four bottles of water a day. Hydration is key. Well yes, I’ve had to go to the bathroom frequently, but more importantly, I’ve felt less fatigued and more alert. I keep a water bottle near me at all times, just to remind myself that after I drink, I need to refill immediately. Drinking a lot of water can help flush out toxins, improve your complexion and promote weight loss. However, way too much water can make your cells explode. So it’s good to follow the recommended daily intake of water: eight 8-ounce glasses, or about half a gallon.
2. Eat healthy by placing the nutrition in front of you, literally.
It doesn’t have to be a scavenger hunt when you have to walk all the way into the kitchen and find something in the fridge or cabinet to fill up your appetite. Instead, try placing nutritious foods within your proximity of your surroundings. That way, they are close to you and you can always have a healthy snack in the afternoon. For instance, I’ve placed a pack of almonds on my desk, a bunch of bananas and apples in a small bowl near the table by the couch and TV, and oranges by the kitchen countertop. This reminds me to have my daily intake of vitamins, proteins, potassium and fiber no matter what. When the fruit is in my sight or around me, I am inclined to eat it whenever I’m hungry, whether it’s for breakfast or a quick snack. I also make sure to keep a bottle of water on or near my desk area. This is an easy tactic, and you probably won’t even realize how much healthier you’re eating until you’ve tried.
3. “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise”—Benjamin Franklin
Alright, I admit this is a tough one. There’s no way I’m getting up at 7 a.m. in the morning, or so I tell myself. To be frank, that hasn’t happened yet, and I’m not sure if it will as a part of my daily routine. Thus, I’m trying to get up early each day by 10-15 minutes. If I wake up at 10 a.m. on Saturday, then I try to wake up at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday. And yes, that involves multiple alarms.
Nonetheless, I’m trying to challenge myself. My day would be initiated by me getting up, getting ready and rushing every now and then. I barely had time for a complete breakfast. I’d just grab the cereal bar with a small box of raisins and be off. Now, waking up early is allowing me to prepare for the whole day. Eating a bowl of cereal, having French toast, a glass of orange juice and some strawberries were perfect for an early morning and incredibly satisfying. Moreover, I have enough time to get any remaining work done so I that I can make time for other things on my agenda. Waking up early helps to stabilize as well as boost your metabolism. Also, I’ve been feeling less stressed lately and more productive. This is because after your brain’s been recharged from a good night’s sleep, it’s ready to work the next day more efficiently.
It may take a while to break out of bad habits and break into new ones. The important thing to keep in mind is that you’re challenging yourself. You’ve got to be determined and motivated. Remind yourself why you’re working towards a health goal and a healthier lifestyle. Don’t just spontaneously wake up at 6:00 a.m. while you’re still on five hours of sleep. Take it one step at a time. Eventually, it’s the little things and the diligent repetition of them that will make a big difference.
