Last semester, I would have classes starting at 9 and 9:30 a.m., and I would seriously push my wake-up time. I would have five or six different alarms that went off in five-minute increments. By the time I had snoozed until that last alarm, I barely allowed myself 15 minutes to get up, get ready, and get out the door. It worked for me. I got to sleep more, I ate a Clif Bar on the way to school in my car, and I didn’t put too much effort (OK, hardly any effort) into what I looked like.

This semester, I decided to take a different approach to my mornings. I don’t start class until 10 a.m., but I wake up at 8 every morning. I live in Youngsville, which, in morning traffic is about a 20 to 25 minute drive to get to campus. Then I allow myself about 30 minutes to park and walk to class (and sometimes less, depending on where my first class is that day). So waking up at 8 a.m. gives me about a solid hour to get stuff done in the morning.

I was inspired by one of my friends who does this. She wakes up around 7:30 to 8 every morning (even during breaks) and has some breakfast and coffee, visits with her mom, etc. I thought she was crazy at first. Why would you want to wake up earlier than you absolutely have to?

So let’s go back to MY routine last semester. In 15 minutes I would throw on some clothes, brush my teeth, grab a water, and grab a Clif Bar to run out the door with. Then the whole ride to school I would be stressed and speeding trying to get there on time.

Now? Totally different. I actually have a morning.

I have only one alarm now, and it goes off at 8 a.m. sharp. I get up, take my time to check my phone and the weather, and then get out of bed. I take a little more time to plan my outfit and try to look semi-cute. More importantly, I eat an actual breakfast now, not just a bar on the way to school. That, I think, made the biggest difference in my day because in class, I’m no longer thinking of the next time I’ll be able to eat. Also, I have time to visit with my mom before I leave for school. Another perk? I wake up completely at home, not while sitting in my first class. That way, I can completely focus on what my professor is teaching, and be alert in class. Now I understand why my seemingly-crazy friend decided to do this.

My drive to school is a lot more peaceful as well, because I take my time now. I don’t make myself try to get to school in an unrealistic time frame. I give myself extra time so morning traffic doesn’t ruin my day (plus, it leaves room for unforeseen events like traffic jams, lights being out, etc).

I have a morning. I have a time to wake up, and take my time doing it. I feel more productive, more awake, less stressed out, and less hungry during the day. It has really changed my overall outlook of each day because I start it in a more positive and healthy way!