During a recent day of traveling, I found myself exhausted on the morning flight. It didn’t make any sense though — I awoke at the same time I always do and I wasn’t rushed to get ready, yet I couldn’t wait to close the plane’s window shade, shut my eyes, and nap for the duration of the flight.
I was stirred awake a few hours later and began reviewing the morning’s schedule for clues that might explain my exhaustion. That’s when I struck gold. To arrive timely for my flight, I had to get out of bed right away and immediately get ready to head out the door, whereas normally I am able to slowly wake, watch the news, read a few pages of my book, snuggle with my dog, and close my eyes off and on for a few minutes before actually rising out of bed and starting my day.
This relaxing routine of mine usually takes about 30 minutes, though sometimes it can extend to an hour. I recognize this is a luxury of being a self-employed writer who works at home. Regardless, this morning routine is exactly what I need to function properly each day. My body just can’t handle “abrupt wakeups,” as I call typical morning alarm-driven routines.
We all probably have some routine that calms and relaxes us, and we should take the time to acknowledge those needs and set aside time to achieve them. Maybe you relish the idea of reading the paper while savoring a cup of coffee, going for a run as soon as you arise, or listening to your favorite talk radio show. Whatever morning routine gives you peace of mind — and establishes a positive and happy vibe all day long — I urge you to allot enough time to realize it every day.
Next time necessity dictates my morning routine vary from the norm, I’ll be sure to respect my idiosyncrasies by adding enough time to slowly wake up in bed — and feel more balanced throughout the day.
Abrupt wake-ups are my life *sigh* but I think this advice works well too for a relaxing bedtime routine to sleep better.
Until you shared with me how you wake up, it never occured to me that I could take my time to get out of bed and it was okay! I now set my alarm 30 minutes prior to when I need to get moving in the morning. When I finally start my day my batteries are recharged and ready to go!
Years ago when I realized that I was a slow-to-get-moving-in-the-morning person, I learned to set my alarm 15-20 minutes before I needed to get up. This gives me time to hit the snooze alarm a time or two so I can wake up slowly and to do a little tai chi before beginning my get-ready routine. This routine really helps me get moving at my pace and still keep me timely for work.