Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Health and Wellness

Why I Love Waking Up at 4AM

Wake up (at 4am) and smell the roses.

Sarah Sullivan

Jul 31, 2019

Fordham University

Sarah Sullivan

Waking up early is a thing that many of us dread. It requires messing up our circadian rhythm, overcoming the intense desire to stay in bed and going through our day in an exhausted, miserable headspace. Especially considering more than 1/3 of American adults aren't getting enough sleep at night to begin with, starting the day even an hour earlier than usual can seem like an impossible feat. Don't get me wrong: early wakeup times of 4 or 5am are definitely not for everyone. However, over the past 8 months, I have joined the group, including Tim Cook, small children and hardcore athletes, in waking up before 4am every morning. And I truly enjoy my new routine.

This is why I love waking up at 4am:

Peace and quiet

With two younger brothers and one very loud dog, silence is a rarity in my house. Being able to enjoy some quiet time and comfortably reflect on my day has been incredibly cathartic for me. On the occasions when I wake up in a sour mood, the tranquility of the early hour brings me to a more positive mindset for my day, and the noiseless environment allows me to think clearly. I use the time for scheduling out my day, picking up items around my room or meditating

Time to exercise

I don't wake up at 4am just to lounge around and wait for others to get out of bed. My early rise serves a primary purpose: exercise. Personally, I prefer exercise in the morning rather than at night, because I feel more energized after working out. Considering the energy exercise provides me with, I loved working out before I had to go to classes during the school year. Along with this, there tend to be fewer people at the gym at 5am than later in the day, which means I get more liberty in how I choose to exercise each day.

Increase in productivity

It's easy to think that waking up super early will slow you down due to a lack of sleep. And at first, I found that to be true. However, as I adjusted to the new routine over the course of approximately a month, I saw myself completing my to-do list much quicker than I had been before. Over the past 2 or so months, I've been finding myself done with all of my chores and errands for the day at around 11am. Having ample free time in the afternoon allows me to do a lot more with my day, such as reading, seeing friends or even just getting ahead for the next day.

Easier bedtimes

Before adopting my routine, I would regularly lay awake in bed for hours before falling asleep. It was a purgatory. I was energetic, but not energetic enough to get up and do something. I was tired, but not tired enough to sleep. Waking up at 4am to exercise invigorates me for the day, but by 9pm, I'm ready to sleep. It's so wonderful not having to look at the ceiling for an hour before going to sleep. Both my bedtime and wake-up time feel much more comfortable, refreshing and natural.

Self-esteem boost

Overcoming a challenge is a fantastic self-esteem booster, and obviously, waking up at 4am is challenging. I have never had a great amount of self-confidence, but knowing that I can do something not many people can (or want to) do makes me feel proud of myself for putting in the dedication necessary and being self-disciplined. This, combined with the exercise-induced endorphins, provides me with positive energy first thing in the morning, and sets me up for a good day, everyday.

From Your Site Articles

Living Away From Home, As Described By 'Friends'

For better or for worse

Loyola University Chicago

1596

tv.com

"Friends" maybe didn’t have everything right or realistic all the time, but they did have enough episodes to create countless reaction GIFs and enough awesomeness to create, well, the legacy they did. Something else that is timeless, a little rough, but memorable? Living away from the comforts of home. Whether you have an apartment, a dorm, your first house, or some sort of residence that is not the house you grew up in, I’m sure you can relate to most of these!

Keep Reading...Show less

friends

Student Life

11 Things You Think About During Class

Some of your best ideas come through boredom.

Dallas Baptist University

1076

Google Images

No matter how long your class is, there's always time for the mind to wander. Much like taking a shower or trying to fall asleep, sitting in a classroom can be a time when you get some of your best ideas. But, more than likely, you're probably just trying to mentally cope with listening to a boring lecturer drone on and on. Perhaps some of the following Aristotle-esque thoughts have popped into your head during class.

Keep Reading...Show less

class

Entertainment

Advice To Live By As Told By Bob's Burgers

The Belchers hold the key to a better life.

Denison University

1447

Adult Swim

Bob's Burgers is arguably one of the best and most well-written shows on tv today. That, and it's just plain hilarious. From Louise's crazy antics to Tina's deadpan self-confidence, whether they are planning ways to take over school or craft better burgers, the Belchers know how to have fun. They may not be anywhere close to organized or put together, but they do offer up some wise words once and awhile.

Keep Reading...Show less

bobs burgers

Recommended for you

Why I Love Waking Up at 4AM

Wake up (at 4am) and smell the roses.

In This Article:

Peace and quiet

Time to exercise

Increase in productivity

Easier bedtimes

Self-esteem boost

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Sleepovers are not a thing. They're just not.

1. You only ask things once.

2. Seriously, you only ask once.

3. When you do muster up the courage to ask your parents for something, you creep around and wait until they’re in a good mood.

4. Before you get that final yes, you have to go through an interview.

5. If you ever got “the eye,” you knew you were screwed.

6. You were always the first to leave your group of friends when hanging out.

7. If you say you will be home at a certain time, you better be home at that time.

8. Seeing a missed call from your parents sends fear and horror through your veins.

9. If relatives are coming over to the house, your room better be clean.

10. You are careful about what jokes you share with your parents.

11. "You’re not an adult until you turn 18! You can do whatever you want then!"

12. If plans change while you’re out, you better text or call.

13. Don’t talk back. Ever.

14. When you’re called by your full name, you’re in deep trouble.

15. Don’t make them call your name twice.

16. Sleepovers are not a thing.

17. Despite all of these things, you know your parents love you.

For better or for worse

1. Pets

2. Mornings

3. Mistakes

4. Cooking for yourself

5. Hosting

6. Taking care of yourself

7. Holidays

8. Roommates

9. Keeping focused and getting stuff done

10. Cleaning

11. Social life

No, really. I'm not mad. Just hungry.

1. You’re tired of people asking you if you know what “RBF” stands for every time you zone out.

2. You’re constantly using the excuse, “I’m just tired” when people ask you if you’re mad.

3. Or “I’m just thinking.”

4. In fact, you’re rarely ever actually mad.

5. But when you are, people usually can’t tell.

6. You find other people with RBF’s and have to convince yourself that you don’t look like them.

7. You constantly remind yourself, “At least I’m not a psycho.”

Some of your best ideas come through boredom.

1. If the professor is late by one minute, I'm leaving.

2. Oh crap, that's due TODAY?!

3. Can I nap in here?

4. I wonder what they're serving at the cafeteria.

5. How much does my teacher even get paid?

6. How much will I get paid?

7. This is the longest 50 minutes of my life.

8. Maybe if I call mom, she'll give me money.

9. How much do street performers make anyway?

10. Why am I here? I could be a street performer by now.

11. Oh right, I'm not talented.

The Belchers hold the key to a better life.

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Health and Wellness

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter