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Health and Wellness

Why I Love Waking Up at 4AM

Wake up (at 4am) and smell the roses.

Sarah Sullivan

Jul 31, 2019

Fordham University

Sarah Sullivan

Waking up early is a thing that many of us dread. It requires messing up our circadian rhythm, overcoming the intense desire to stay in bed and going through our day in an exhausted, miserable headspace. Especially considering more than 1/3 of American adults aren't getting enough sleep at night to begin with, starting the day even an hour earlier than usual can seem like an impossible feat. Don't get me wrong: early wakeup times of 4 or 5am are definitely not for everyone. However, over the past 8 months, I have joined the group, including Tim Cook, small children and hardcore athletes, in waking up before 4am every morning. And I truly enjoy my new routine.

This is why I love waking up at 4am:

Peace and quiet

With two younger brothers and one very loud dog, silence is a rarity in my house. Being able to enjoy some quiet time and comfortably reflect on my day has been incredibly cathartic for me. On the occasions when I wake up in a sour mood, the tranquility of the early hour brings me to a more positive mindset for my day, and the noiseless environment allows me to think clearly. I use the time for scheduling out my day, picking up items around my room or meditating

Time to exercise

I don't wake up at 4am just to lounge around and wait for others to get out of bed. My early rise serves a primary purpose: exercise. Personally, I prefer exercise in the morning rather than at night, because I feel more energized after working out. Considering the energy exercise provides me with, I loved working out before I had to go to classes during the school year. Along with this, there tend to be fewer people at the gym at 5am than later in the day, which means I get more liberty in how I choose to exercise each day.

Increase in productivity

It's easy to think that waking up super early will slow you down due to a lack of sleep. And at first, I found that to be true. However, as I adjusted to the new routine over the course of approximately a month, I saw myself completing my to-do list much quicker than I had been before. Over the past 2 or so months, I've been finding myself done with all of my chores and errands for the day at around 11am. Having ample free time in the afternoon allows me to do a lot more with my day, such as reading, seeing friends or even just getting ahead for the next day.

Easier bedtimes

Before adopting my routine, I would regularly lay awake in bed for hours before falling asleep. It was a purgatory. I was energetic, but not energetic enough to get up and do something. I was tired, but not tired enough to sleep. Waking up at 4am to exercise invigorates me for the day, but by 9pm, I'm ready to sleep. It's so wonderful not having to look at the ceiling for an hour before going to sleep. Both my bedtime and wake-up time feel much more comfortable, refreshing and natural.

Self-esteem boost

Overcoming a challenge is a fantastic self-esteem booster, and obviously, waking up at 4am is challenging. I have never had a great amount of self-confidence, but knowing that I can do something not many people can (or want to) do makes me feel proud of myself for putting in the dedication necessary and being self-disciplined. This, combined with the exercise-induced endorphins, provides me with positive energy first thing in the morning, and sets me up for a good day, everyday.

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Recommended for you

Why I Love Waking Up at 4AM

Wake up (at 4am) and smell the roses.

Peace and quiet

Time to exercise

Increase in productivity

Easier bedtimes

Self-esteem boost

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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