Hello Sunshine!
In September of 2020, I moved from Chicago to Miami with my boyfriend, Adam, and our French Bulldog, Reggie. My previous sleeping routine was a practice where I put myself to sleep no earlier than midnight each evening and hid under my covers as late into the morning as my schedule would allow. Since the move, my sleeping routine has evolved to fit a “Floridian-lifestyle,” which involves waking up at sunrise and getting to bed not long after sunset. I have discovered that even though I am awake for the same number of hours per day, the early morning start and not missing any time while the sun is up, makes my days feel longer and more productive.
It’s All in the Details.
Each morning I wake up around 5:30 am, start the coffee, take Reggie out for a quick walk, open up my laptop and begin working by 6:00 am. Once my coffee kicks in, my freshly brewed productivity catapults me through my homework and oftentimes, drives me to get ahead. When my boss sends me new work, I am immediately available and can spend as much time as necessary on each task without worrying about getting behind on my homework. The best part about waking up early and getting all of my work done is that by noon every day, I am free. Sure, some days are busier or more time-consuming than others, yet more often than not, I find myself with my own time and am no longer chasing time.
Choices > Excuses.
Many may argue they are not morning people. As someone who was not previously a “morning person,” I no longer require an alarm clock. I assure you it is a choice that depends entirely on whether you are willing to change your body’s sleep schedule. Waking up at sunrise will remain constant in my life because I get more work done, I have more energy, and it feels as though I have more time each day. I highly recommend you make the change, but that’s entirely up to you.
Word Count: 356
Advanced Writing, PRAD 356 W21 
Hi Reagan! This seems to be a common sentiment, that waking up earlier lets people be more productive. I’m more of a night owl myself, but I have a feeling I’ll have to start waking up earlier once I start working full time.
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Hey Reagan! I am so impressed that you can get up that early, I always find myself struggling to get out of bed. I think you have developed a great schedule and it sounds like you get a lot of work done. You have inspired me to work on my sleep schedule and try to get up earlier in the morning.
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Hey Reagan! I wish we could all live the Floridian-lifestyle. I used to do the same thing, go to sleep late and wake up between 10 a.m. to noon. There is a serious shift in lifestyle between early and late risers. In the military, I would wake up at 4 a.m., which is way too early; I’m operating at a 6 a.m. wake up time now, I still need an alarm clock though. I definitely feel much more accomplished after a full day, and I feel tired at 9 p.m. which makes me feel normal. I am going to implement a strict bedtime after reading this though, even if I am tired at 9 p.m. I still stay up until 10 p.m. most nights.
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Reagan, this sounds so nice! You’re writing paints the picture of the laid back Florida life style. I tried going to sleep and waking up early, but I find it so difficult. You piece made me realize, it’s not simply just changing when I go to sleep and wake up but a lifestyle change. I love the picture you included. Reggie’s so cute.
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