Discovering the Joy of Waking Up Early: A Personal Journey

In a world where morning routines of "successful" people are celebrated, often involving elaborate rituals and a multitude of steps, it's easy to feel overlooked as a normal working individual with a family and a seemingly endless to-do list. The pressure to conform to these routines can be overwhelming, leaving many of us feeling anxious and disconnected from our own needs.

Recently, I embarked on a journey of self-growth, driven by my anxiety and a desire to find balance in my life. Through this journey, I discovered a simple yet powerful secret to waking up with your alarm without pressing the snooze button: find something that you genuinely enjoy doing in the morning, something that you don't want to miss out on.

For some, this might be the serene experience of running in the morning sunrise. For me, it's the joy of making a cup of coffee, letting the dog out, and then climbing back into bed with my laptop for an hour of writing time before I have to get ready for work. This small change has transformed my mornings, making getting up early something I look forward to rather than dread.

It's important to recognise that we don't all fit into the same mould. We are not all CEOs or entrepreneurs with the luxury of time to devote to intricate morning routines. We are normal working people, doing our best to juggle the demands of life. What we need is a routine that works for us, one that brings us joy and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

On most mornings, many of us find ourselves pressing the snooze button and longing for the comfort of staying in bed. But think about those rare occasions when we have an early flight for a much-anticipated holiday. No matter how early the flight, we are up and motivated, driven by the excitement of the day ahead. Imagine channeling that same excitement into your everyday mornings by finding something you love to do.

It's crucial to understand that you don't need to wake up at 5 AM or any other early hour to start your day right. Even dedicating just 30 minutes to an hour to something you enjoy can make a significant difference. The goal is to start your day without dread, without stress creeping in, and in a way that de-stresses you as much as possible.

Why is this important? Because how you start your day sets the tone for the rest of it. Waking up with a sense of purpose and excitement can improve your mood, boost your productivity, and help you manage stress better throughout the day. It's about creating a positive and fulfilling morning routine that works for you, rather than trying to fit into someone else's idea of the perfect morning.

So, to all my fellow early risers, I encourage you to find your own morning magic. Whether it's a quiet moment with a book, a leisurely breakfast, or simply some time to yourself, embrace what makes you happy. Waking up early becomes so much easier when you have something to look forward to, something that nourishes your soul and prepares you to face the day with a smile.

Let's celebrate the beauty of ordinary mornings and the unique routines that bring us joy. After all, it's not about following a rigid set of steps, but about creating a routine that feels right for you.