I love to sleep. Love it. I love to wake up feeling rested, with plenty of time to get ready for the day's events. Getting a full eight or nine hours allows me to complete my basic morning routine: Check e-mails, drink my coffee or tea, read part of the New York Times, do my hair and makeup--it's all part of my morning ritual.
What I don't love, however, is sleeping in. Take this week, for example. During the first half of the week, I woke up between 7 and 8 every morning, giving me plenty of time to exercise, run errands, do all the things I needed to do before my other responsibilities, like school, began. This morning, however, I slept in until 9:30. I know what you're thinking-- "That's not even very late!" But by the time I was fully up and dressed with my teeth brushed, it was 10. By the time I got back from running just one errand, it was lunchtime. And just like that, half the day is over. I feel no better rested sleeping in those extra two hours. In fact, after hitting snooze a few times, I actually felt worse, despite getting more sleep.
My mornings are my "me" time. Yes, it is extremely painful getting out of bed for the first five minutes. But after that, you feel no different than if you had slept another two hours. Mornings are a time to slowly begin the day, rather than rushing around trying to accomplish a million tasks in the half hour before your class begins. My mornings are my time to enjoy the little things like actually sipping hot coffee from a mug on the couch rather than spilling burning coffee on my hands as I rush off to class. Mornings are when I can listen to some relaxing music to make sure I have an easy start to the day.
Don't get me wrong-there are times where I have nothing to do on a weekend and my only task for the day is to get caught up on sleep. Then I don't see a problem with sleeping in. But for the majority of days, waking up around 7:30 just feels right. I (usually) even have time for a nice nap in the afternoon--which is more enjoyable than sleeping in, because I can nap knowing I've gotten a ton of stuff done already.
I'm not saying you have to be a nut who wakes up at 5 every morning to run a marathon, do yoga, and finish all of the day's tasks before noon. But it is obvious to me that I feel better, I'm more productive, and I'm happier when I get up early. I start the day on the right foot and I am able to walk into my job, class, workout, etc. with a positive demeanor.
Wake up early a few mornings next week. Your productivity level and your mood may surprise you!
