How to Wake up Early
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Okay so you know those quote memes that say something like "whoever ends up with me, also ends up with my 13 alarms" ? Welp. That's me...sorry Nick;)
When I got back into running (after college), I would wake up super early to get my miles in. One reason was that I had a lot of mileage to cover and the other reason being I had a long commute. After I got runner's knee and strained my adductor, running wasn't the same for me. I had lost all of my mental and physical stamina, so it was hard to get motivated. Whereas most brides to be work out like a crazy person, I was lucky to even get a mile in. After the wedding, I was so tired and so burnt out (from work, the blog, working out), that I just took a rest period, that ended up being rest months. It wasn't that I didn't want to work out, but that I was struggling to wake up! Until recently, I couldn't get out of bed before 6:30 am and by the way...I'm supposed to leave by 7:00 am.
A little while ago, I mentioned on Instagram that I just couldn't wake up early anymore and needed tips. Yes, I got the normal suggestions of:
1) get at least 7 hours of sleep
2) no phones or screens at least 30 minutes before bed (or just use my favorite blue light blocking glasses!!)
3) drink enough water
blah, blah, blah you get it! All of those are great, but I needed something more. I needed a reason to get up and just couldn't find one. I mean would you want to leave a comfy bed with snuggly kittens?! The best suggestion was from my friend Leah! She told me to get the Alarmy App. It is an alarm system that has non-traditional ways to stop the alarm once it goes off.
I'll admit that when I first got Alarmy, I kind of gave up. I don't think I was mentally ready to commit to getting up yet. I originally chose the "math problem" way to stop the alarm. The issue? I would do the equations and go back to sleep.NOT EVEN LYING.
About 3 weeks ago, I decided to try Alarmy again and change it to the "take a photo" way to turn it off. Let's just say IT WORKED! I set that alarm every night and I also set back up alarms, just in case. I cannot say that I haven't gotten out of bed, turned the light on, snapped a pic, then climbed back in bed...it can happen and I don't recommend it.
I do think the alarm works, but I also think you have to be willing to make it work. My office just changed locations and that is part of the reason I think I am able to get up now. It came out of need, which gave me a good "excuse" to make it happen. We also have a gym at work, and I try to exercise before the work day begins.
When do I get up? Alarmy is set for 4:30 am. If I am taking a class, those start at 5:30 am and I need to leave my apartment no later than 4:50 to make it on time, park etc. With this one small change, my sleep habits have gotten better, I eat better, and I'm getting a workout in, which is something I hadn't been doing consistently for over 6 months.
So yeah, an app make not change your life, but it can help you in making life changing decisions for the better!
Do you have any tips for waking up early? I'm always looking to improve my strategy! Right now I make sure I lay my workout clothes out and pack my get ready essentials the night before. Game changer!!
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