Posted for Pam Varnado
For the past few days I have been up in time to see the sun rise. It was an amazing thing to see. Not only was it a beautiful sight, it was the start of a new beginning for me. Those of you who know me can attest that I am not an early bird. Waking up around nine is more my style. But I realized that if I wanted to accomplish everything on my To Do list for the day, I needed to add more hours, which translated into waking up earlier.
We all know what Ben Franklin said: "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." How right he was. I have been able to do all that I’ve planned and the feeling of accomplishing something is euphoric. By the time I would have awakened I’ve already finished projects on my list. How’s that for time management?
Now, if you’re a night person like me, getting up early is not easy. But it’s something you can learn to do. Here are a few tips that will have up you before the rooster crows.
1. Go to bed around ten o’clock and set your alarm for six. That gives you eight hours.
2. Establish a bedtime routine. Me, I like to take a warm bath and read.
3. Make sure the temperature in the room is perfect for you. The experts recommend a cool environment, but if you like it warmer, do what makes you comfortable.
4. Take the necessary steps to ensure your sleep is restful. Wear an eye-mask to block light or earplugs if your significant other is a snorer.
5. While in bed, do some muscle relaxation exercises. Starting at your toes, tense your muscles then relax them. Work through your toes, calves, thighs, stomach, arms, back, and neck. The entire routine should take no more than three to four minutes.
Making yourself into a morning person is easy if you learn to enjoy it. Have a cup of tea and watch the sun come up or use the peace and quiet to journal or meditate.
Make time for yourself, you’re worth it. It’s a learning process for me, so if you have any ideas write and let me know.
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Miss Pam, I personally don't like morning people. I can fake it when I need to, but I like my late nights and lazing in bed for a full 8 hours some days.
If you have an appointment or an outside job, that's another story.
You suggested some good things for the times I need to go to bed earlier.
I know you're right. I have done that. But my head won't listen to me.I start to read, or write and forget the time.
It's hard for me to sleep too. So If my head won't fall asleep, what...?
Zzzzzz
I've always thought that any time between 6AM and 1PM should be considered illegal. Since I contracted insomnia and usually don't get to sleep before 5AM, I'm certain of it! Good article though, and probably helpful to those "early birds." Poor souls. They should appreciate the night.
Yes! It's amazing what you can accomplish in the first part of the day. I love sunrise and am most energetic in the morning, although I like to spend the first hour fairly peacefully. It always amazes me that tasks I REALLY don't want to do in the evening (like dish-washing) are a breeze in the morning.
Yes,
I can attest to the fact that my dear sweet Pammy is not an early riser. I will say this however, she may not be an early riser, but she's not a grump in the a.m. either. (I know all of this because she's one of the best roomies at conferences on the planet.)
I love the suggestion about tensing your toes and then relaxing and then working your way up the body. It sounds like a great excersise. I'm gonna try that tonight.
Great post Pam!
Have a lovely afternoon,
Tamara
Mary,
I'm challenging you to get a earlier start on your day. If I can do it, you can too.
Mary R, It's hard for me to fall asleep sometimes. But what i've noticed is that when I go to bed the same time every night, my body automically shuts down when I need it to, and I'm able to fall asleep with no problem.
Toni,
Five am to bed. Even being a night person I can't manage that without being useless the next day.
Barbara,
I remember you telling me that you are a morning person. You sound so energetic. It's still a struggle for me, but I'm trying.
Tamara,
I'm taking this one step at a time. I'm getting up, but I don't know if I'll ever be as bouncy and rearing to go as you are in the morning.
I can do morning but I tell my body it's night.
Pam, great blog! Just the sort of ideas I need to put into play now that school has started back and I'm too tired in the afternoon to get anything done! Think I'll give it a try! Sitting on the deck and watching the dawn would be a novel experience for me. Now sitting at the computer and realizing it is suddenly dawn, been there done that!
I get to bed and up at 6 but my day job grips my throat! But on the weekend now that's when I'll use your very sage advice, Pam. I'm not a morning person either. But if I could wake up by the ocean with the sun in the window, I'd change my ways!! I'd swear but Mary would rap my knuckles. ha ha
Good blog, Pam. I've always risen early until the last year or so, and then my four-legged alarm insists it's time to get up by 7:30 Am, maybe 8 if we're lucky. The few mornings I've had to get going early, I find joy in seeing the sun rise, the day start with a glow. However, I'm content to miss that!LOL
I'm so not a morning person. I hate getting out of bed, LOL. But I have to admit, the few times that I do get up in time to see the sunrise and enjoy a cup of coffee in the quiet solitude of the morning, I really and truly enjoy it.
If I could just do it without the actual getting out of bed part...
Great blog, Pam. Good advice, BUT...
I woke up early for years to study in high school and college. I woke up early for many more years when I was working and dreaming of waking up late. I took an early retirement to wake up late. Unless I have to catch up a plane and my hubby is shaking me for five good minutes nothing on earth will take me out of my sweet slumber.
Hey Momma. I don't think anyone in our family is a morning person. Now, me having to wake at around 0500 every morning is very difficult for me. I am defiantly going to try these exercises and hopefully I will be more energetic and alert during the day.
Now if only these suggestions would work for Triston and Ivan for getting to bed early. It would be very nice, considering those boys are always full of energy no matter what time; day or night.
Well I have to get back to work. I love you and miss you so much. Can't wait for you to come visit us in Japan again. Muahz!
Scarlett, it's got to be hard finding time once the school year begins. But hand in there, you love writing so I know you find a way to do it.
Linda,
Waking up to the soothing sound of the ocean would get me out of bed also.
Judy,
Pets really do make the best alarm clock.
Helen,
You've got me thinking. Now if I could stay in bed all day and still accomplish my tasks. That would be heaven.
Mona,
My problem is that I don't feel rested unless I get eight hours of sleep, so if I want to do anything I need to hit the sack at as reasonable hour.
Sweet daughter,
I know how hard it is for you to make it to PT on time. And the boys must really be a challenge. Getting them up is not an easy task.
Morning people annoy me.. all perky and pleasent. Puleeze! LOL... No, I just don't do mornings well. If I had it my way I wouldn't come in contact with another person for at least an hour after I wake up.
Mary
I loved that post. You made me laugh!
Great to know where that quote came from. I love trivia like that.
Hey, and I am a morning person. I love waking up when no one else is conscious.
That's when I write.
Cheers,
JC
Shoot I didn't realize it was your blog Pam! Sorry. But I loved it just the same.
JC
Like Scarlet, I have often written so long into the night the sun rose behind me as reminder.
Pam,
There are never enough hours in my day. I am also not an early bird, but with school starting again, I am going to try to force myself to get an earlier start. I'm up at 7:00 A.M. now, but want to be up at 6:00.