Becoming an Early Riser

Growing up, I was expected to rise very early, sometimes as early as 4:30 a.m.  We would do yoga and chant kirtans to Hindu gods.  I never thought about what it would be like to sleep in because I didn't know that "sleeping in" was a thing!  My parents always woke up very early and still do.

At the age of 18, I joined the military and as you can imagine, waking up early was not an option. Habitually, I have always been one to wake up early and get the day started whether I am feeling tired or rested. The problem is that I am both an early riser and a night owl. I average 6-7 hours of sleep per night and would like to improve that. I have to improve it by getting to sleep earlier because, to me, if I am sleeping in, the day is wasting away and I am not accomplishing anything! Thomas Jefferson once said, "The sun has not caught me in bed in fifty years."

Rising early can lead to increased productivity. In the morning, your mind is often fresh and the world is quiet. You have an opportunity (without rushing) to plan out your day.  You also have an opportunity to just think quietly which can reduce your stress as the day unfolds; if you can wake up early you can become proactive to the days events rather than reactive. You can also use the time to exercise - imagine going through your day knowing that you started the day doing something for yourself!

Do you habitually hit the snooze button or ignore your alarm altogether (that's my partner!)? Do you wish you had more time for yourself in the morning and evenings (we ALL do)? Do you wake up at the first alarm but feel tired and exhausted (that's me!)? Here are some simple tips to help you turn around your sleep patterns:

1. GOAL: Set a target wake up time and a target sleep time.
2. ACTION: Go to bed earlier. Turn off all electronic devices 30 minutes before the target sleep time. Read a book until you start to feel tired. Then go to bed.
3. ACTION: Gradually wake up earlier. Try waking up 15 minutes earlier than you usually do this week. Next week make it 30 minutes and continue until you reach your target.
4. ACTION: Put your alarm clock far from your bed. When you get up to turn it off, stay up. Be disciplined and committed. Do you have it in you?
5. ACCOUNTABILITY: Find an accountability partner. For most, it may be a spouse, partner, or close friend. Commit to listening to them when they encourage you to stay on track. Be strong. Don't fall back into your old habits.
6. REWARD: Decide what to do with the extra time. Perhaps you will get to work earlier so you can get off earlier and spend more time with friends and family. Perhaps you will work out. Perhaps you will finally start preparing and eating a good breakfast. Perhaps you will have a few extra minutes to meditate.