What more can you teach us about early rising?

[James81]

I'm half-joking, but I kinda want another "how to wake up early" article.

More seriously, though, I'm looking for yours (and anybody else's) beliefs about rising early and about being on time for functions (work, social, etc.).

I'm someone who is chronically late for everything and have always been that way and I'd like to change. I know it revolves a lot about what I believe about being on time, but I'm curious about beliefs that people here have about being on time for things. What drives you to be on time? What do you believe about being late?

[Holistic Star]

I have the same problem. I think time is much more flexible than it is.

I try to model myself on my husband. He's early for everything, doesn't over commit himself and is always prepared. Still haven't worked out how he does it.

[jayh]

From my own personal experiences, I will say that eating a good diet accounts for at least 90% of the ability to wake up early, with maybe the other 10% being will power and habit. For me it makes a big difference.

[James81]

Originally Posted by jayh

From my own personal experiences, I will say that eating a good diet accounts for at least 90% of the ability to wake up early, with maybe the other 10% being will power and habit. For me it makes a big difference.

Wow, this is interesting.

Why would a diet be so important to early rising?

[ssandra]

Waking up early is only possible for me if I have a commitment.. to do it just for myself or to do stuff that I can do later doesn't work

Being at places on time.. I also am very bad at that.

What I do, on purpose, if I have to be somewhere at 15.00 I try to make sure I am there at 14:30. Never works, because I am never there at 14:30, but at least I'll be there 15:00..

[MidasGirl]

Agree with the diet comment. I find that when I eat heavy (meat especially, and I'm not just saying that cuz I'm doing raw/vegan trial, I always knew this!) and also highly processed foods --if eaten late at night, close to sleep time -- they contribute to fatigued sleep and groggy wake up feeling.

For me, what also works is to have something excting to wake up to in the morning. Mine is my hot herbal tea and an inspiring book to read. If morning comes and I'm feeling purposeless and mindless, I don't want to get out of bed. Also if I know I'm waking up straight to do a mundane task, like taking a shower, that would cause me to not want to awake.

As for being late for things, I am too sometimes. But that is just a matter of being arrogant and not valuing other peoples' time. Just not seeing enough value for wherever you're going. Think about it, if you someone told you to show up at 4:30 am to collect $10,000 tommorrow, you'd probably be there at 3:30.

[SatvikBeri]

Originally Posted by James81

Wow, this is interesting.

Why would a diet be so important to early rising?

Diet has a huge impact on physical energy. I found that when I switched to an organic diet (still eat meat, bread, dairy etc.) I experienced a HUGE energy boost.

The way I get to places on time is by setting my clocks ahead and telling myself that the deadline is earlier than it is...somehow that works really well for me.

As for rising early...doing it consistently is extremely useful. It makes it easier to fall asleep and helps me feel refreshed right when I wake up, instead of having to take time to become conscious after I stop sleeping. It's not at all something that I can do 6 days a week though, I definitely have to be consistent.

That said, if it's not possible to be consistent in your sleep schedule (due to travel etc.), sleeping enough is more important than waking up at the same time every day IMHO.

[danas]

Well, Ive been a raw foodist for almost 2 years and Im still always late because time is always shorter than I think.
About waking up early- with the raw food I need much less sleep. I can function fine on 5 hours sleep, instead of 8 like in the past. even a few nights in a row.
But- I still am not an early riser. because maybe I have TOO much energy and some nights i wont fall asleep till 4 am...despite going to bed before midnght

[Writertype]

When I choose to change my wake time what works for me is getting up at the same time every day no matter what and going to sleep whatever time that night I feel tired. Eventually you adapt to the new schedule.

It's simple in theory, although it might be uncomfortable until you are used to it.

[shasah]

I used to have a very hard time waking up in the morning. No one spoke to me before my first cup of coffee and a shower because I was so grumpy. I did change my diet and that is part of it, but I think exercise is what helped me to change more. I forced myself to get up early for the first couple of months (even grumpier than usual during that time) and then it became a habit and then a joy to go to the gym first thing. I still go to the gym but now in the evening but I still hop out of bed and I am cheerful most days.

As for always being late, I can't help you there. I am going in the opposite direction. I have always been on time and am just now loosening up enough that I can be a little late now and then. I think mine was a little anal-retentive to be on time. I'm still on time for important meetings but have relaxed on the everyday time schedule.

Later

[Angela]

My inner clock is right on -- I just set the time for waking, and that's the time I wake.

I think it helps to get your conscious mind and unconscious into rapport, so that your unconscious mind supports you in your conscious intentions.

[openeyes]

Originally Posted by James81

What drives you to be on time? What do you believe about being late?

Being on time or slightly early lets me be much more relaxed than if I need to be at all rushed. My girlfriend was just commenting on this tonight, that by being up early enough to do a number of enjoyable things before work it's like work doesn't start until she's actually there, while if she sleeps as late as possible and then rushes to work, it's work from the beginning without any relaxation.

I generally set an alarm for when I NEED to be up as insurance, but wake up before it goes off because I don't like alarms. The easiest way to get to this point is don't use snooze alarms, simply decide when you want to be up and actually get up when you wake up, feeling thankful that you've woken early without the alarm. In line with Angela's thoughts (as usual) if I don't really want to be up or there's nothing I'm looking forward to, even my alarm may not wake me.

[Piercetheveil]

Arriving at the RIGHT time is a part of strength and power for me. Both for my own mind and to set tone.

Being late seems sloppy and weak to me. Being ready to walk in (sometimes I walk in a few minutes behind others on purpose) early gives me time to be calm and I tend to feel at ease and strong.

I have rarely been anywhere late in life when my personal life was in a good spot. Odd that when I am personally getting out of control it reflects in my punctuality.

[Kevin V]

Originally Posted by James81

I'm half-joking, but I kinda want another "how to wake up early" article.

More seriously, though, I'm looking for yours (and anybody else's) beliefs about rising early and about being on time for functions (work, social, etc.).

I'm someone who is chronically late for everything and have always been that way and I'd like to change. I know it revolves a lot about what I believe about being on time, but I'm curious about beliefs that people here have about being on time for things. What drives you to be on time? What do you believe about being late?

Usually someone who is chronically late for everything has a weak ability to create a reality for himself to be on time (See above post by Piercetheveil: lack of strength and power). Also, someone who is chronically late for appointments or dates set with friends usually lacks integrity. "Hey Steve, I'll see you at so-and-so at 9pm." 9pm rolls by and you're late? Terrible.

[jayh]

Originally Posted by MidasGirl

Agree with the diet comment. I find that when I eat heavy (meat especially, and I'm not just saying that cuz I'm doing raw/vegan trial, I always knew this!) and also highly processed foods --if eaten late at night, close to sleep time -- they contribute to fatigued sleep and groggy wake up feeling.

For me, what also works is to have something excting to wake up to in the morning. Mine is my hot herbal tea and an inspiring book to read. If morning comes and I'm feeling purposeless and mindless, I don't want to get out of bed. Also if I know I'm waking up straight to do a mundane task, like taking a shower, that would cause me to not want to awake.

As for being late for things, I am too sometimes. But that is just a matter of being arrogant and not valuing other peoples' time. Just not seeing enough value for wherever you're going. Think about it, if you someone told you to show up at 4:30 am to collect $10,000 tommorrow, you'd probably be there at 3:30.

I've noticed this with processed foods too (and sugar). I'm already vegetarian, and almost vegan now, but if i eat too many sweets or processed foods, I just feel groggy in the mornings. I simply don't sleep as good. I'm also still overweight, and that makes a big difference, so I'm currently working on that too...

[Divajules]

Being chronically late is a show of disrespect, IMO. I strive to be on time because, to me, it indicates to the other person that their time is just as valuable as mine. Why would you think you are so important that someone should be held up to wait on you (for no "good reason", emergencies are different)? It is a mentality that seems unattractive on the side of the late person so I don't want to be that person, if that makes sense. I have nothing against them but I prefer to be on time. It is a choice.

When I think of being on time in this way, it keeps me punctual. It's about that simple. It's never been an issue for me. Most things, I've learned, boil down to what kind of mindset you have about it.

[Angela]

I think SOME people are chronically late because they basically don't respect the boundaries of others or care about keeping in integrity, and some people do it as a form of passive aggression.

But those aren't the ONLY reasons or even, I suspect, the most common reasons for people being chronically late. I wouldn't make a snap judgement, wrong-making, about someone who is chronically late, without being curious about their particular positive purpose.

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by Angela

I think SOME people are chronically late because they basically don't respect the boundaries of others or care about keeping in integrity, and some people do it as a form of passive aggression.

But those aren't the ONLY reasons or even, I suspect, the most common reasons for people being chronically late. I wouldn't make a snap judgement, wrong-making, about someone who is chronically late, without being curious about their particular positive purpose.

For me it is mainly about not seeing my preparation time realistically. I forget things so I have go get them.. I think something will take me 5 min, but it will take me 10.. etc.

That and not judging traffic well... big thing... Thinking I'll make it in 15 min, but still not there in 30.

I also tend to get lost a lot, especially on my way TO things..

That is why I usually allow myself 30 minutes extra, I try to make sure I'm there 30 minutes early, so at least I'll be there on time.
Nothing to do with respect or not for the other person, it's all about ME.

[ming]

I agree with those who say your intake of food cause the hours you need to sleep. I spent las Xmas in an ashram where we had a superfood milkshake and all kinds of cereals and nuts for breakfast plus a mega meal at lunch time but we decided to skip the dinner so no more food after 3pm and I could see the results by waking up naturally around 6am, otherwise impossible task for me specially in winter. I think those who have a tendency throughout their life to eat little and simple food have more energy, longer life, sleep less, I wish I were like that all the time but I do struggle to skip supper, I tend to eat out of boredom. Fasting is a good cleanser also from time to time, I've just can't commit.

[codefreeze]

Interesting thoughts James.

I've always been an early riser really. Partly it's my body clock.

My running habits have a lot to do with it these days. Many years ago I used to run in the evening, but I switched to running in the morning because it was quieter and I just enjoyed it more.

These days I'm a regular 5.00am riser. I have been a 4.00am riser. The BST is confusing my body clock right now because my alarm goes off at 5.00am but I'm awake by 4.00 am It will take a week or two more.

I never really found it hard to become an early riser. I just set my alarm and get up. Many mornings I wake up a few minutes before the alarm goes off.

I did find it strange that some people need instruction on how to get up early. But I guess it's just because I've never found it that difficult. I'm sure there are plenty of things I would find difficult that others find easy.

I think it is important to be on time. When I worked in an office I was always in work by 10.00am (to avoid traffic). I believe it is important to arrive for meetings on time (15 mins early).

[Michael Chui]

Huh.

My usual technique is just to Know that I need to be awake at a certain time. As long as I'm well-rested, that's usually enough.

[pjhaggerty]

why wake up early in the first place?

do you have a goal you wish to achieve that requires you to wake up early? will it add to your quality of life to wake up early?

why do you want to do this in the first place?

[shasah]

Why waste your day and your life sleeping? 6-8 hours should be plenty of sleep, after that what's the use of sleeping? Why would you want to sleep in?

[Nemosyne]

I have the same problem. I think time is much more flexible than it is.

Me too! I've always understood others viewpoints that it seems disrespectful, and feel guilty when I show up late. But I have a heckuva time waking up, and when I am awake, it takes me two hours to focus. Then I get an attack of social anxiety. It's no fun.

[marinik]

James you can change. I am an early riser and always on time. A bit grumpy like Shasah but nevertheless... My husband became very punctual by just following my lead and becoming aware of how it gets on peoples nerves when somebody is chronically late! You just start getting ready on time and make small rituals that keep you there... on time.
Good luck

[shasah]

LOL I'm not grumpy in the morning anymore, only when I first started getting up early. Nowadays I'm a pretty happy camper any time of day. Glad to be alive and healthy. Every day brings new things to learn, how can I be grumpy at that??

[Michael Chui]

Originally Posted by shasah

LOL I'm not grumpy in the morning anymore, only when I first started getting up early. Nowadays I'm a pretty happy camper any time of day. Glad to be alive and healthy. Every day brings new things to learn, how can I be grumpy at that??

Hey, could you please stop asking rhetorical and patronizing questions? It's great that your lifestyle is working for you.

[shasah]

Originally Posted by Michael Chui

Hey, could you please stop asking rhetorical and patronizing questions? It's great that your lifestyle is working for you.

Wow, excuse me for being happy. A friend was under the impression that I was grumpy in the morning and I was just letting her know that wasn't the case anymore. I was addressing her since my name was mentioned. Nothing that says you have to read it.

I was just writing down the things that I need to work on in my life, maybe asking rhetorical and patronizing questions is one of them, because your post most definitely pushed a button.

[Michael Chui]

Originally Posted by shasah

Wow, excuse me for being happy. A friend was under the impression that I was grumpy in the morning and I was just letting her know that wasn't the case anymore. I was addressing her since my name was mentioned. Nothing that says you have to read it.

I was just writing down the things that I need to work on in my life, maybe asking rhetorical and patronizing questions is one of them, because your post most definitely pushed a button.

The post before that was actually what I was referring to moreso. Like I said, it's great that your perspective on life is working for you, and it's great that you're happy, but asking, "How could you possibly not see the awesomeness that I can clearly see these days?" is not nice.

FWIW, I've been reading about stupid evangelicals all day, and that's probably coloring my reaction.

[shasah]

Originally Posted by Michael Chui

The post before that was actually what I was referring to moreso. Like I said, it's great that your perspective on life is working for you, and it's great that you're happy, but asking, "How could you possibly not see the awesomeness that I can clearly see these days?" is not nice.

FWIW, I've been reading about stupid evangelicals all day, and that's probably coloring my reaction.

Not a problem and it's something that has been thrown my way before, I just thought I had gotten past it. Ever have those things about yourself that you just don't realize you do and most people are too chicken to point out to you? So I will work on it. Thank you for being honest.