Good morning. Where I am it is 6:44 am, the house is quiet and the sun technically hasn’t risen yet. The picture above is the one in my head of what cold winter mornings should look like. While I am feeling warm and cozy, I have been wide awake in my bed since 5:15. Amazing how on the days I have to get up for work I can’t get up and on the days I want to sleep I’m bright eyed and bushy tailed. Cruel irony if you ask me, but here I am.
I’m awake but I am still a bit foggy, trying to organize my thoughts. I’m not a coffee drinker so it takes a little bit of time. There are a variety of studies on the benefits of early risers from health benefits to being more successful and happy in life. And though I dont always get a chance, or really make it a priority, I can see the benefit.
Right now I am taking a few extra minutes to plan out my day. I’m not being rushed out of bed by an alarm just to hop in the shower and go go go. I am setting my intentions like so many authors/speakers say and ill even add in a few minutes of meditating. Meditating is a practice truly because you have to bring back your thoughts to breathing, to calm and not let them slip into chores, tasks, work, drama etc. Reflecting or meditating is best for me at sunrise or sunset, sunset more common lol. Watching the glow and feeling the warmth and light enriches the soul.
Not needing to be anywhere til 9, I have a whole extra hour to do another lesson in an investment course I am enrolled in. Early risers can take that extra hour and better themselves. It could be any number of things from hitting the gym to self improvement reading, checking the stocks, studying etc. I have a few things I am working on. I am taking an investment class because right now the economy and our financial future isn’t looking bright. I am still reading The Magic of Thinking Big and it is giving me inspiration for where I want to be and new things I want to achieve. This time of year I am trying to focus on being thankful for the things I have. And, oh yeah, trying to make sure I keep this blog up 🙂
My flaws at this moment do include my lack of early morning work outs. So many advantages for getting up and hitting the gym or the treadmill first thing. You get that endorphin buzz after a work out that keeps you moving and feeling good for hours after. since you are awake longer you will also burn more calories throughout the day. And sometimes its really tough, when you just aren’t feeling up to it, to jut get it over and move on with your day. It’s good for your mood, your, heart and blood flow, your overall health. I struggle with work out consistency because I am at work by 6 everyday and to get up at 4 to work out is extremely hard for me. But then again trying to pump myself up for a work it after a long day when I am ready for relaxing and dinner, doesn’t always work either. So I add in Saturday workouts at 9, which is where I have to be.
Clearly I haven’t gotten it all figured out. Habits, routines, better sleeping are all things that could help put me on my early risers plan to success. But I am a real person and I have real struggles. And you know what? It’s ok. I am lucky that I have been given this day to get up with the sun and try again today to make things happen. Everyday is an opportunity whether you get up at 5 am or 2 pm. Always strive to be a better you. I promise to do that and tell you about all the bumps along the way. 🙂
The Distracted Damsel 