I am not a morning person! I thought I was until I got married and realised I don’t do conversation in the morning well! I don’t do jokes or generally any type of engagement until an hour after I get up. I had spent my early years comparing myself to my sister (who is DEFINITELY NOT a morning person) so I grew up with a false impression of myself.
Fast forward many years and I am definitely improving at my morning habits. Strange as it may seem, although not naturally a morning person, I find those early mornings SO valuable. I’ll give you 5 reasons why:
1. Space
Having a period of time that is quiet – that gathers your thoughts and gets one or two jobs done…it sets me up for the day. I feel ahead of the game and in control before the girls get out of bed.
2. A job done
Even if it the dishwasher emptied or the laundry loaded….I have a couple of jobs done before I start any other work or set tasks. They are usually mundane ones that can be done when I’m just up and still a bit bleary eyed, but I love getting them ticked off the list (even mentally!) first thing.
3. More productive
I find when I get up early that I am more productive in my day – maybe its a control thing but when I get those jobs done early often mean I can tackle the other things that need done too with a better attitude. Only me?
4. Control!
I mentioned it in the last point but it is a ‘positive version’ of the word control. You know the feeling…you get up, race through breakfast, hurry everyone out the door and get to school/work – usually barking orders and reminders on the way. On my early mornings I rarely feel like this. I am proactive instead of reactive. Everything is organised, I feel more in control and less likely to lose my cool unnecessarily with those around me.
5. Better sleep
At night I make a list of what I want done in the morning…it doesn’t have to be a physical list – it might be just a mental checklist but I find I go to sleep with a plan; knowing I will sort those things that are priority when I get up int he morning so they don’t dwell on my mind. I also find because I am up earlier I go to sleep earlier, getting that precious shut eye which is more restorative before midnight. I am a reformed character in this way – I used to be a real night owl, up until 1/2am but I can’t remember the last time I did that!
Is that enough to convince you? I’d love to hear if you give it a go!
Jx