How Waking Up Every Morning at 6:30AM Has Changed Me
In case you missed the visuals over on @thewordqueer Instagram Story, I’m going to write about my journey here on our blog of how challenging myself to wake up every morning at 6:30am for one month changed me. It’s also up on our Instagram Highlights, titled “AugustChallenge” if you want to take a look :)
The August Challenge
Waking up earlier to spend time with myself before giving energy to others. - Dominique Wilson
I called it the August challenge because for the WHHOOOLLLEEEE MOONNNTHHHH I decided to wake up every morning at 6:30am. Before this challenge, I was the person that stayed in bed until it was time to start working - scrolling on Instagram and Tiktok. This was my morning routine.
I needed a change because I wanted more from my day. I didn’t like the feeling of getting out of bed just in time for work. This left so little time for things I actually enjoy. So, the idea of the August Challenge was born. The goal was to start waking up earlier to spend time with myself before giving energy to others. Waking up earlier every morning has changed my life. And this is what I learned about myself by waking up early every morning:
I showed up more for my relationships
I showed up more for social media
My confidence was through the roof!
I am completely new person
I felt a sense of clarity in the morning that lasted throughout the day
I can be disciplined and finish what I start.
How did I change my routine?
To wake up early every morning you have to make some changes to your routine. Start by winding your evening down earlier and going to bed earlier. Before this challenge, I would go to bed around 12 am after watching hours of television and/or scrolling tiktok and instagram. I knew this needed to change to wake up earlier because I am grumpy when I don’t get enough sleep. Choose a bedtime that works best for you and stick to it. This teaches how to set and maintain healthy boundaries with yourself and with others. I started going to bed every night by 10:30pm.
Wind your evening down earlier to go to sleep at an earlier time.
Remove things that make it more difficult for you to sleep (examples are tv, social media, games on phones, computers, etc.)
The first few nights may be challenging because its new to you, but its expected until this becomes your new normal
When your alarm goes off in the morning, start your day with something that makes you feel amazing and its for you (journaling, yoga, meditation, running, coffee, etc.)
Being tired during the day will cause you to go to bed earlier which will lead to you waking up earlier (so this is a win!)
Week One
There's a freshness in the early hours of the morning. The world is quiet, the day is full of promise, and the possibilities are endless. It’s something that needs to be experienced. Going on this journey to wake up at 6:30 AM every morning came with its fair share of triumphs and challenges:
Triumphs
Productivity: My first triumph was the noticeable boost in productivity. Mornings at 6:30 AM provided uninterrupted time for focused work, free from the usual distractions that came later in the day. This newfound efficiency was unfamiliar but I embraced it, and I found myself completing tasks more quickly and effectively.
Time for Self-Care: One of the most rewarding aspects of this early wake-up time was the extra moments for self-care. I was able to start each day with meditation, exercise, and a nourishing breakfast. These small rituals added up, leaving me feeling rejuvenated and ready to conquer the day.
Consistent Routine: Creating a consistent wake-up time brought stability to my daily routine. I found it easier to plan my day, allocate time for important tasks, and maintain a healthier work-life balance. It was a triumph in establishing a structured and fulfilling lifestyle.
Challenges:
The Snooze Button: Need I say more? The snooze button was a constant challenge. Mornings at 6:30 AM are foreign to my body and she often resisted this challenges, especially looking over at my wife sleeping peacefully. I wanted to stay in bed with her. Overcoming the temptation to hit snooze required discipline and a reminder of my commitment to change. I wanted to give energy to myself before giving it to others.
Evening Adjustments: In order to wake up early, I had to make adjustments to my evening routine. This meant going to bed earlier, which was challenging at first. It required a conscious effort to wind down and disconnect from screens earlier in the evening. It was a battle between the allure of Netflix, Youtube, TikTok and the promise of a restful night's sleep.
Energy Lulls: While the mornings were productive, I faced energy lulls in the late afternoon and early evening. These periods tested my resolve, as I sometimes felt fatigued earlier than usual. It forced me to reevaluate my daily schedule and incorporate short breaks to recharge.
Social Sacrifices: Maintaining my new wake-up time on weekends and social occasions proved to be challenging. I had to forgo late-night gatherings and adapt to a different social schedule. While it was difficult at times, I realized that the benefits of my early mornings far outweighed the temporary sacrifices.
In conclusion, the triumphs of my first week waking up at 6:30 AM were a testament to the positive changes this habit brought to my life. The challenges, though significant, were an opportunity for growth and resilience. With each day, I learned to embrace the triumphs and tackle the challenges, ultimately setting the stage for a more productive and fulfilling lifestyle in the weeks ahead.
Week Two
As I entered the second week of my early morning journey, the 6:30 AM wake-up call was starting to feel less like a challenge and more like a lifestyle. Week one had been a whirlwind of triumphs and challenges, and now, I was ready to build upon the foundation I had laid.
Triumphs:
1. Routine Solidification: By the start of week two, waking up at 6:30 AM had become a well-established routine. My body was adapting, and I found myself sometimes waking up a few minutes before my alarm went off. This consistency was incredibly satisfying, and it made the early mornings feel less abrupt.
2. Increased Productivity: The productivity gains I experienced in week one continued to grow. I was consistently accomplishing more in the early hours of the day than I ever had before. This boosted my confidence and motivation, propelling me forward with a sense of purpose.
3. Improved Sleep Quality: The earlier bedtime adjustments I made started to pay off. My sleep quality had noticeably improved. I woke up feeling more refreshed and rested, which in turn boosted my overall mood and mental clarity throughout the day.
Challenges:
1. Persistent Temptation: Despite the progress, the allure of a few extra minutes of sleep remained ever-present. Some mornings, the bed seemed too comfortable, and the temptation to snooze or linger a bit longer was strong. Some days I gave in and others resisted the snooze button by reminding myself of the day's goals.
2. Social Adaptations: Navigating social engagements continued to be a challenge. I had balance between maintaining my wake-up time and participating in late-night activities with friends and family. Communication and compromise were key, and I began to prioritize quality ME time over late-night outings.
3. Energy Management: Managing my energy throughout the day was still a work in progress. I experimented with different strategies to combat mid-afternoon slumps, including short power naps and energizing snacks. It was a challenge.
4. Weekend Consistency: On the weekends, sticking to the 6:30 AM wake-up time was trickier than on weekdays. While I allowed myself a bit more flexibility, I recognized the importance of maintaining some consistency to avoid disrupting my routine entirely.
As I reflected on the second week of my early rising journey, it was evident that this habit was transforming from a mere experiment into a way of life. The triumphs were a testament to the positive impact it was having on my productivity and well-being, while the challenges served as opportunities for growth and adaptation.
I remained committed to my goal of waking up at 6:30 AM every morning, knowing that the benefits far outweighed the difficulties. With each day, I felt myself inching closer to a more balanced and fulfilling daily life, fueled by the early morning serenity that had become a cherished part of my routine. Week two was just the beginning of a new chapter in my journey towards self-improvement and personal growth.
Week Three
As I entered the third week of my 6:30 AM wake-up challenge, the early mornings had become an integral part of my daily life. What began as an experiment was now a routine I looked forward to each day. Week three brought new insights and developments, further solidifying the benefits of this habit.
Triumphs:
1. Increased Focus and Clarity: Week three saw a remarkable improvement in my mental clarity and focus. The uninterrupted morning hours had become a sanctuary for deep work and creative pursuits. The feeling of accomplishing meaningful tasks before the world woke up was immensely satisfying.
2. Morning Exercise Routine: I had successfully incorporated a morning exercise routine into my schedule. This not only boosted my physical fitness but also energized me for the day ahead. The invigorating morning workouts became a source of motivation and vitality.
3. Enhanced Time Management: By sticking to my 6:30 AM wake-up time, I had fine-tuned my time management skills. I was more organized and efficient in planning my day, making the most of the hours at my disposal. This newfound sense of control was empowering.
Challenges:
1. Fatigue Management: The energy lulls that plagued my afternoons during week one were gradually fading, but fatigue management remained a challenge. I continued to explore strategies like short power naps and regular breaks to maintain my energy levels.
2. Social Adaptation: Maintaining my early wake-up time during social events continued to require adaptation. I found creative ways to connect with friends and family without compromising my commitment to my morning routine. Open communication and understanding played a crucial role in this aspect.
3. Weekend Consistency: Weekends remained a test of discipline. While I allowed myself some flexibility, I discovered the importance of striking a balance between enjoying leisurely mornings and preserving my wake-up routine. Finding this equilibrium required patience and self-awareness.
4. Early Bedtime Rituals: The need for an early bedtime still meant making adjustments to my evening rituals. While it was sometimes challenging to resist the allure of late-night entertainment, I was committed to prioritizing rest and rejuvenation.
As I reflected on the third week of my early morning journey, it was clear that the benefits far outweighed the challenges. The consistency had brought about positive changes in my productivity
Week Four
As I crossed the threshold into the fourth week of my early morning challenge, I couldn't help but marvel at how far I had come. What began as a daunting experiment was now an integral part of my life. Week four brought a sense of mastery and deep appreciation for the early mornings.
Triumphs:
1. Enhanced Well-Being: By this point, the benefits to my overall well-being were undeniable. I felt more energetic, focused, and emotionally balanced. The early mornings had become a time for self-care and mindfulness, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day.
2. Time for Personal Growth: The uninterrupted hours before the world awoke had given me the gift of time for personal growth. I used this period for reading, learning, and pursuing creative projects. The progress I had made in just a month was astonishing.
3. Consistency and Discipline: The fourth week was a testament to my growing discipline and consistency. I no longer battled the urge to hit the snooze button, and my bedtime rituals had become second nature. This newfound discipline was spilling over into other areas of my life, fostering a sense of accomplishment.
Challenges:
1. Occasional Fatigue: While energy management had improved, there were still moments of fatigue, particularly during demanding days. I continued to explore strategies to combat these episodes and listened to my body's cues for rest and recovery.
2. Social Adaptation: Maintaining my early wake-up time during social gatherings remained an ongoing challenge. However, I had grown more adept at finding a balance that allowed me to enjoy social connections while preserving my morning routine.
3. Weekend Flexibility: Weekends were still an opportunity to embrace a more relaxed schedule. While I remained committed to waking up early, I also allowed myself to indulge in slower mornings and occasional sleep-ins as a form of reward for my dedication.
4. Reflecting on Progress: As the end of week four approached, I took time to reflect on my progress. I acknowledged the journey's ups and downs and celebrated the incredible transformation I had undergone in just a month. This reflection motivated me to stay the course.
In the grand scheme of things, the early mornings had become a cornerstone of my life. They represented not only a commitment to discipline but also a commitment to self-improvement and personal growth. Week four had solidified this routine, proving that the benefits of waking up at 6:30 AM were far-reaching and worth every challenge along the way.
I look forward to the weeks and months ahead. I am eager to continue thriving in this early morning routine and unlocking even greater potential in myself. The early mornings have become a source of inspiration, setting the stage for a brighter and more fulfilling future.
I’m so proud of myself!!