Let's call it Chuck’s Law: if you’re up at 6am, no matter how chaotic the rest of your day is, you’ve already won. Almost twenty years later, now in the twilight of my life, I often find myself pondering what it would be like to reverse the routine—setting my alarm for the end of my day instead of the beginning. To wake up on a Sunday assured that I’ll get ample rest before my early Monday starts. That would be a true blessing. The summer after seventh grade, my younger sister brought me to a driving range at a country club, where I learned to hit golf balls with fiery intensity. He was just a few years older, yet I was captivated by how effortlessly he made it look. Despite a grueling week of brigade training and a lead role in the seventh-grade play that left my tongue swollen and my throat sore, my enthusiasm remained undimmed. That afternoon, as one of the west-facing range balls caught the late-afternoon sun, I had no inkling that I was falling in love.
In the serene silence of 6am, when most of the world is still in slumber and the sun has yet to make its grand entrance, waking up at this hour becomes a true joy. Many view waking up early as a mere necessity, a task done out of requirement, but that perspective overlooks the numerous benefits early risers enjoy. This is particularly true for those who wake up early as part of their ambitious goals. I made the switch to waking up at 6am back in 2017, adjusting my phone's alarm, and I haven’t looked back since—even if I sometimes get to bed later than ideal. This routine has become a cherished part of my life, as it has for many others. I love it because it offers so many advantages that I'll discuss in detail. Getting up at 6am gives you a substantial two-hour head start on your workday. Living in California, where traffic on freeway 405 is always a disaster, this early start is especially beneficial.
1. Time for Mindfulness:
What better moment to meditate and check in with yourself than the tranquil lull before the rush of the day kicks in? I rise at 6am every morning. That hour before the day officially starts is my most cherished time. I have ample mental space to center myself and meditate, take a moment for myself, shower, trade, maybe enjoy a cup of coffee and a stuffed English muffin with Nutella, prepare meals for my five dogs, get my lunch ready for the day, and handle anything else before the world begins to demand my attention.
2. Physical Well-being:
Given the additional hours in the morning compared to the evening, it's often wise to dedicate this time to physical health. For instance, if I wake up at 6 AM, I can use these early hours to engage in exercise, whether it's running, practicing yoga, or lifting weights at the gym. Additionally, working out early in the morning gives me a strong sense of accomplishment and boosts my confidence for the day ahead. Plus, exercising makes me feel healthier overall.
3. Productivity Boost:
"The early bird catches the worm," goes the saying—and it's true. Those pre-dawn hours offer two additional, tranquil, and uninterrupted hours of productivity. If only I could gain those extra two hours! Working in the early morning, especially before the family is awake, allows me to tackle tasks— even urgent professional ones—without interruptions, free from the distractions of technology, phone calls, and emails. It's a time when I can focus on work, indulge in reading, or pursue hobbies and personal projects that captivate me.
4. Breakfast Ritual:
There's an old saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. However, in the hustle and bustle of our daily routines, it often gets skipped or overlooked. Waking up at 6 AM provides plenty of time to enjoy a nutritious breakfast and kickstart your day positively. Whether it's a bowl of oatmeal with mixed fruits, a protein-packed omelette, or my personal favorite, a stuffed English muffin with Nutella, make sure to fuel your morning right!
5. Communing with Nature:
There's a sense of the world coming alive with the rising sun. Getting up at 6AM and stepping outside to breathe in the fresh, awakening air of nature, going for a walk or a bike ride through the park, or witnessing a sunrise filled with pink and gold hues—engaging with these natural events is truly revitalizing.
6. Setting the Tone for Success:
First off, there's a well-known saying: Success leaves clues. Additionally, there's a noticeable pattern among highly successful people: they tend to wake up early. By getting up at 6am, I'm embracing a timeless principle for success and setting a productive tone for the day ahead. Waking up early instills a mental discipline and resilience that positively impacts all areas of life.
Getting up early (for me, that's 6am), two hours before daily responsibilities kick in, goes beyond merely setting the alarm a bit earlier. It's about establishing a brand-new framework for your life, a method to boost well-being and productivity while enhancing various facets of our lifestyle. This covers everything from mindfulness and physical health to tackling the day with a renewed spirit and strong determination. So, next time your alarm buzzes at 6AM, be the one who cheerfully says, ‘Good morning, sunshine’.
