Sleep When You’re Dead, or Just Wake up Earlier

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.

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