Is your life out of control? Try waking up early! This was the secret to adding two extra hours to my day…it was a total game changer in my life, and it can be for you, too!
My mother likes to tell people that she kept me up until midnight each night when I was a baby–because I would sleep until noon the next day. It gave her the opportunity to get lots of housework done, without me hanging onto her ankles.
Fast forward 33 years, and I’ve always struggled with going to bed at a decent hour and getting up early.
When I have absolutely had to do it for a job, etc., I’ve done it, but it’s never been something I’ve enjoyed.
But as the mom of three little ones six and under, work-at-home business owner and homemaker, I’ve come to struggle with just not having enough time in the day to do everything.
(Don’t we all?)
I’ve especially seen a lack of time for self-care–in particular exercise and quiet reading of God’s Word.
For a long time now, I’ve wanted to try getting up early. I had read so many posts by bloggers–like Crystal at Money Saving Mom and Kat of Inspired to Action–who just raved about the benefits of rising early, long before your children wake.
Can I just be really, really, painfully honest here?
For the past, oh, six years now…I’ve woken up to my children.
I’m not kidding. And my health, my productivity and, sometimes, my sanity have suffered.
The crazy cycle always starts with me staying up super late to work on something, and then I’ll be too tired to even attempt getting up early in the morning.
So I’ll wake up when the girls jump into my bed. Around a year ago, after the baby turned 1, my oldest began getting her out of her crib for me. She brings her to me each morning to nurse, so I haven’t even had to get out of my bed to tend to them.
Now, I will say that we’ve had some lovely memories of mommy-daughter cuddle time each morning–and I hope to still do that on Saturday mornings.
But I finally realized if I were ever going to get some control over my life and schedule, I needed to start waking up earlier than my girls.
For the past three weeks, I’ve been getting up around 5:30 a.m. most week days.
After the first week or so, I told my husband: “I feel like I’ve just added two extra hours to my day!”
“You have!” he responded. “You literally have!”
Here are 5 things that have helped me to get up early, resulting in me adding two extra hours to my day:
1. Going to bed earlier.
You might say: “Well, aren’t you trading those nighttime hours for the morning hours?”
Yes and no. I am going to bed a bit earlier, but what I am doing with my morning time is giving me the best results. I literally have more energy and am more productive overall.
So even though I am not staying up as late, I feel like I’m actually accomplishing much more than when I succumbed to my natural night owl tendencies.
I will say that I still think I need to go to bed even earlier than I am right now. I was staying up well past midnight–and probably going to bed closer to 1 a.m. most nights. Now, I catch myself yawning between 10 and 10:30 p.m., and I try to be in the bed no later than 11 p.m., which puts me asleep between 11:30 p.m. and midnight.
I know this may still sound late for some, but it is most definitely progress for me.
Establishing a good evening routine is key!
2. Setting an alarm clock.
Like I said before, my children have been my alarm clock for six years. No, I’m not lying. (And it’s a humbling confession to make!)
Baby Girl #1 was only a few days old when my husband and I realized she was our new alarm clock.
And seeing that I had three babies within four years and have been nursing babies for six years (and going) now, I never bothered to use another alarm.
Coupled with the fact that I was already sleep deprived from going to bed late, I was bound to sleep in until my kids woke up without the use of an alarm!
My excuse? I didn’t have an alarm clock, and I didn’t want to buy one. I didn’t want to use my cell phone’s alarm because I didn’t want to sleep with it by my head.
When I started rising early I did use my cell phone at first, but I quickly transitioned to just using my new Lady Comp Fertility Monitor (which I am currently reviewing!) as my alarm.
3. Having a reason for getting up early.
Really, if you are a mom, I think getting up early just for some peace and quiet is reason enough! But it has helped me immensely to name a reason for rising early.
For me, getting up early means I have time to exercise, read my Bible and gather my thoughts before my girls wake up.
4. Establishing a morning routine.
It has really helped me to develop a routine for each morning, so I can maximize those extra two hours (which seem to go much too quickly, if I am honest!).
Right now, my morning routine consists of:
- My fertility monitor alarm goes off at 5:30 a.m. I immediately take my temperature via the monitor.
- Lay there for a few more minutes before hopping out of bed.
- Brush my teeth, wash my face and pull my hair into a ponytail.
- Put on my socks and shoes. (Another humbling confession: I’m sleeping in my workout clothes, so I wake up dressed.)
- Grab my water and a banana or 1/2 apple with almond butter.
- Put on my fit splint (since I’m still healing a diastasis).
- Leave the house for my exercise class.
- Listen to worship music (usually via KLOVE) in the car, on the way to class.
- Exercise for 45 minutes.
- Sit in the parking lot or my driveway and read my Bible and pray.
- Sometimes I will also run by the grocery store or fill my car up with gas after I leave my class.
- Come home, shower and start fixing breakfast. By this time, my girls are waking up.
Now, it is likely this routine will change when school starts.
My oldest will be starting kindergarten at a university model school (which is like part-time homeschooling), and I’m super spoiled in the summer to have my husband–who is a teacher–at home. When he goes back to work, I will most likely have to get up at 5:00 or 5:15 a.m. if I want to continue exercising in the morning. I’m not sure if that will happen, but I hope it does!
5. Being determined.
Seriously, this is the number 1 reason I’ve been able to stick to getting up so early the past three weeks.
I guess I am stubborn, but when I first told my husband my plan to do this, he laughed and said I would never be able to get up that early. I think he might have just said that because he knew that was exactly what I needed to hear to become all-the-more determined to make it happen!
A Note to Young Mamas
If your child is less than two years old, or if you are still night nursing, I do not recommend trying to get up so early in the morning. My youngest will turn 2 in August, and I am just now at the place where I feel this sort of schedule is feasible. Give yourself grace!
A Note on Keeping Your Kids in Bed
After writing the original post, I had several people ask me about how to keep their kids in their own rooms/beds if they happen to wake up while you are still having your morning time. When our girls were toddlers, we used this color changing alarm clock. It teaches children to not leave their beds or rooms until the clock changes a certain color. Hope that helps!
Do you get up early in the morning? Have you found it can add hours to your day?
Want to Make Over Your Mornings?
I am beyond thrilled to announce that my good friend and blogging coach, Crystal of Money Saving Mom, has released a wonderful 14-day eCourse, Make Over Your Mornings!
Crystal has been an early riser since age 11, and she is an expert on maximizing morning time before her three children wake up.
She spends time with the Lord, exercises, and works on her full-time business. This gives her room to breathe the rest of the day.
I got early access to this eCourse, so I can vouch for the quality, and I’m happy to say that I wholeheartedly endorse it.
The course comes with a printable workbook and video sessions for each day. The sessions are short enough to not be overwhelming, but they most definitely pack a punch!
You can get instant access to Make Over Your Mornings here now!
Update 2016: Crystal now has a companion course, Make Over Your Evenings! It’s all about setting up a good nighttime routine. Get instant access here!
Related Posts:
A Surefire Way to Sabotage Your Morning Routine
Sheri
Considering you posted this to FB for all the night owls to read first, and I am the first to comment, I would say I have your problem (or your old problem). I have a feeling that your “sleeping in” is my “getting up early” though. My husband is in the same boat, we are a bad team 😉 He has relied on our early riser as an alarm clock for many years and then pampers me by getting the kids set with breakfast while i sleep a little more. Oy! I need to get my rear in gear!
Erin
LOL–well maybe getting up early can be different for everyone! Give yourself grace and go for it!
Holly
This is all well and good as long as your hubby agrees to not expecting you to answer to two of your seven first thing in the am. As in he anticipates, me to hold our three yo.
Erin
It’s definitely something you have to decide together with your husband, Holly. I am so glad you have chosen to honor him in this.
Paige Jarquin
It’s funny to read this suggestion, its what I did 30 years ago and what I told my daughter might help her with her morning. I remember jealously guarding that first hour of the morning, first just to drink my coffee in peace and quiet and ultimately because it was the only way to have a few minutes alone with God. I had 3 children all under the age of 4 by the time I was 20, needless to say I was busy from the minute the first one woke in the morning to 3 to 4 hours after they went to bed.
I fine tuned my morning by waking the kids one at a time so each got just a bit of one on one time with mommy. Lots of veriables went into the order that I woke them but it always made them feel special.
I still use the morning hours to begin a day with structure and get so much accomplished. Also we have grandchildren now and I do the same thing with them, they know YiaYia is an early morning person and make request for their special time when we visit.
Thank you for sharing this excellent idea!
Erin
Oh I LOVE that you woke them each individually to have some mommy time in the morning! What a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing your story, Paige!
Kazia
Thank God I’m not the only one!! Never been a morning person and as much as I’d like to be I haven’t accomplished it yet. This gives me hope!! But I have a 1 yr old that is a night owl… ((Sigh))
Erin
I’m so glad this gives you hope, Kazia! Give yourself some grace–having a 1-year-old means you are still in baby land! LOL
Julie Dearie
I just can’t relate. My children wake around 6 am every single day so if I wanted to add 2 hours of productivity and ‘me’ time I would be waking at 4 or sometimes 3:30 am. How about learning to be productive while being with your children? I do all I do with 3 kids every day.
Erin
Hi Julie, I’m sorry you can’t relate or didn’t find this post helpful. What works for some doesn’t work for all. Our children do not go to bed super early, which I think helps them sleep in a bit later (until about 7:30 a.m., most days–sometimes a little later, even). When our older two were toddlers, we trained them to stay in their rooms with the help of an alarm clock that would change colors when they were allowed to come out of their rooms. We haven’t used it since we moved 11 months ago, but our youngest (they all 3 share a room) has picked up on their cues to stay in their room a little after waking up. I do feel quite productive with all 3–I full-time homemaker and run a home business–but I was severely lacking in self-care time, which I have found to be vital to my health and motherhood. I hope you find the time you need, too, one day! 🙂
Stephanie
Julie, why such a rude and negative comment? Glad you are able to be productive, but do you run a home business? And even if you do every person is different along with each child. Some children are much more needy, in one way or another, so it is harder to be productive. I found waking up early was a great choice for me. One of my sons wake up early but even just to have one awake I felt much more productive and energized for day. I have let the summer get the best of me and been waiting for my son to wake me up, but plan to get back to waking up a little earlier than he does. You don’t have to wake up 2 hours early, I’m sure just 30 minutes before will help add a little “me” time to your day.
Crystal
Ouch! I found her comment rude as well Stephanie! It was just a suggested post, like she said it may not work for everyone! All our situations are different. If you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all right?!
Erin
Thank you, Crystal and Stephanie. I need to write an update because I am not getting up as early right now for a variety of reasons, but I think in the right season, it’s ideal.
LeeAnn G Taylor
My youngest just turned 2 also and it’s only been in the last year or so that I’ve finally been able to commit to a morning routine. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than nothing for sure. My Hello Mornings Twitter group has, for the most part, stayed consistent and it makes a difference knowing someone else is going to be checking on you and asking you how they can pray for you. Thanks for sharing your story. I’m sure it’ll be inspiration for someone else to attempt this life changing schedule adjustment!
Erin
Thanks for sharing your story, LeeAnn! Hello Mornings is such a wonderful resource! I absolutely love Kat and her site (and podcast)!
Breanna
I’ve been attempting this for months, however we cosleep with our 3 year old and 1 1/2 yr old and the 1 1/2 yr old still nurses most of the night. If I get out of bed depends soley on if he’s nursing when I wake up. If so, I usually fall back asleep before I can get him unmatched, but still asleep! Lol
Erin
I honestly wouldn’t attempt this if they are still co-sleeping, Breanna. I would give yourself grace! I remember I used to feel the same way, but, for the most part, mine now stay in their own beds. I don’t regret our co-sleeping days, though. Enjoy all those sweet cuddles, and your day will come! On the nights our 3-year-old does crawl into bed with us, I still get up later.
Katie Oldham
I love this! Of course, I still want more hours in a day…you know, the kind to read, cuddle with my girls, just notice more. But for several years, I’ve gotten up at 5am for all the reasons you listed. Then not long ago I lost my husband to cancer and it’s more important to my sanity then ever! I have my warm lemon water, read a couple verses then hit the basement for a workout…which begins with reading a devotion on my elliptical using my kindle. It’s a game changer for the day. Thank you for affirming and sharing this and encouraging other moms to prep for the day bc it makes a huge difference! We all need our mama time!
Erin
Thanks for sharing your story, Katie! I loved reading about your routine! I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. I will pray for you right now. Have a great day!!! <3
Tawnda Andrews
So sorry for your loss!!
Helen
Thanks, Erin! I have been trying harder to go to bed earlier because it seems I can be a LOT more productive in my work in the morning rather than at night. i try and make some time after the kids go to bed to do knitting and ‘me time.’ Then I can work in the morning and sometimes nap (when that works, but can’t count on it!!) I hope to homeschool so I know I can’t count on work time during the day so need to get in gear here ASAP! But also thanks for grace. My daughter is 18 months and it definitely has been rough to get up before the kids do so I still have ‘time.’ 😉
Erin
I am SO much more productive in the morning as well! Knitting sounds fun…I wish I were crafty like that! 18 months is still young–just give yourself lots of grace during this time!! 🙂
Tawnda Andrews
Erin,
I think you and I started our early morning start together 🙂 I am blessed to have a husband who joins me every morning. I too can be a night owl and changing my habits to arise early have been HUGE for me. I am always so surprised that it is “only” 7:30 because I’ve already been going 2 hours!! I have 2 “issues” I’m working through…early rising kids. For almost 4 years I’ve been awoken by them crawling into bed with me, however, I usually fell back to sleep after turning on the cable. Now that that isn’t an option for me, we’ve struggled. We are likely to be getting one of the color changing clocks for them soon, so that they will play quietly in their rooms until 7. Second, after I’ve read my Bible, I like to get on my computer to Blog. One thing leads to another and I can be online for much longer then necessary or productive. I’m working little by little to tweak my schedule. You are not alone in this struggle and it is soooo easy to make excuses to stay in bed. But the rewards have been far far greater. I look forward to your updates!!
Erin
Oh that is so great that your hubby is joining you! What good accountability! We used one of those color changing clocks for a long time…we haven’t since we moved 11 months ago, but I think they really work. I want to get ours back out! I think it might still be packed up! LOL
I so get the internet thing…it’s a struggle for me, too. I’m trying not to get online except for an occasional instagram pic until my morning routine ends.
Jennifer S.
I’m so looking forward to being able to get up early again. My youngest (8th) is 18 months and still night nurses so I struggle with getting up in the morning. I’ve been enjoying letting the children sleep in a little this summer so I can have half an hour to myself. I’m hoping by the time school starts the baby will be sleeping better so I can get up a little earlier than everyone else and continue to have my quiet time. I find my day goes so much better when I’ve had those few minutes to pray and read the Bible and collect my thoughts about what needs to be accomplished that day.
Erin
I find my day goes so much better this way, too! 18 months is still very young. I hope it works out for you soon!
Sarah Mueller
You’re getting up 2 hours early AND exercising?! You rock! It does make a huge difference, doesn’t it? I fluctuate between staying up late and getting up early, but the early hours are infinitely more productive..
Erin
Haha–yep! But I think that is the only way I’m sticking to it. The exercise really, truly boosts my energy for the rest of the day! I am WAY more productive in the mornings!
Amy
Thanks for your comment to young mamas at the bottom! My baby is 3 months old and I would love extra time in my day, but it’s just not feasible right now, with being up in the night:) That note helped to make me feel justified in my decision to sleep while I can:)
Erin
Yep–you need all the sleep you can get, Mama! I know where you are!! Savor those sweet baby cuddles, and your time will come (faster than you want!).
Jennifer @ Emulsified Family
I am usually so good at getting up before my girls, but this summer I’ve been such a slacker and I really miss that time to myself in the morning. This was a good reminder for me this morning. Thanks! 🙂
Erin
I really hope I can keep it up during the school year. I know I will need that time even more then!
Tessa W
My littlest is 8 months right now so I wake up with him at this point. I look forward to the stage when I can consistently wake up before my boys but it will be a while yet. And then I’ll likely add another to the mix 🙂 For now, I have my “quiet time” by letting my older boys fix their own breakfast and play independently (they are 6 and 3.5) for about an hour while I read my Bible (actually I get my app to read it out loud so they can hear too) and drink my coffee and read some blogs I follow (use them as devotions and pep talks). The baby nurses and the olders run around through it but I get to be in my head for a while before starting the day.
Erin
It sounds like you’ve gotten into a good groove and have found a great solution to fit in that quiet time, Tessa!
Jill
Hello- I find waking up early in the mornings is helpful as well. It helps me so much start the day off in a better mood for my kids. What I struggle with though is to get enough sleep I need to get to bed by 10pm which is shortly after I put my kids to bed (they go to bed at 9pm). If my husband wants to talk at all then I’m up late. My husband typically works until 8ish so we don’t get much time to talk as when he gets home the kids want to see him. So that’s my struggle. But I agree that waking up early is really helpful. Although, if you are waking up that early do you find that you need a quick nap during the day at all?
Erin
I feel your pain about the kids in bed late (that is us too–closer to 9 p.m. if I am honest–although bedtime is supposed to be at 8 p.m.). My hubby is also a night owl, but he is better at getting in bed early when he needs to get up for work. I have not found I need a nap so far, but I only think it’s because I am spending that morning time exercising, and I still drink a big cup (so more than 2 cups) of coffee with breakfast. That is my coffee for the entire day, though.
Audrey
Waking up early is always a goal for me. But, it never happens and I can tell it wears on me. I need that bit of time to myself. My baby is 10 months old and nurses all night. Getting up early just isn’t happening at this point, especially since he gets up at 6 am. My husband gets up at 5, and I must say I’m a little jealous! Hopefully someday I can get myself out of bed before my kids!
Erin
It will happen one day, Audrey! Enjoy those sweet baby cuddles, and your time will come–faster than you think!
Dessa
I am in a similar situation as you are Audrey. I have found that my 10 month old will happily play on the floor with toys (most) mornings while I have my devotions and coffee. I say most of course because there are those days it doesn’t work out. But on the days that it does it is a special blessing!
Erin
It does sound like a great blessing!
AJ
I’d love to have a link for the color changing clock…that would be really helpful to our littles that no longer nap, but still need “quiet, alone” time in the afternoons. TIA!!
And I totally agree about moms with littles giving themselves grace. In Oct., we’ll have 4 under 4 including a newborn and you just have to understand that you can’t do everything that everyone else does during these important and time consuming seasons! Thanks for the encouragement!!
Erin
Here’s the color changing clock! I should add it to the post! http://amzn.to/1kMvRMR
AJ
Thanks!!
Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home
I wish we lived in the same place, Erin, so that you and I could do a class together and hold each other accountable! I think I would really love to find a class, something that I’m paying for and that forces me to get out of bed. I’m still getting up pretty early (by 6:30 most mornings) but I need to get up earlier if I’m really going to have time to exercise.
Erin
Oh how I wish that as well, Steph! You know I do! We can always vox a “text” for accountability–but my early is your middle of the night! LOL I do agree that paying for a class really forces the accountability…it then becomes a financial stewardship issue as well! I hope you find the perfect class for you soon, friend! 🙂
MaryEllen
I love that you’re getting up early, Erin. I’m finally starting to get up earlier too. But for all those dear moms that feel guilty for NOT getting up early, you have to do what is right for you in this season. I actually wrote a blog post not too long ago on why I DON’T get up early. http://www.imperfecthomemaker.com/2013/12/why-i-dont-get-up-early.html
You don’t have to feel guilty about it when it’s the right thing to do at the time!
Erin
100% agree, Mary Ellen!
Gloria Akins
Hi Erin! With four kids I have also found this to be true! My days are so much better when I rise first! My kids are at the ums school where your girl will be and I work there as well. The school schedule does change things a bit. For me 10:00 is late. I’ve been known to go to bed as early as 8 if I can get away with it:) Anyway, look forward to meeting you when school starts! Gloria
Erin
Hi Gloria! I look forward to meeting you soon!
Jessi
I get up early to read my Bible and devotions, pray, and shower! I found after the demands started (they typically start very quickly) I couldn’t squeeze in a shower! If I over sleep I feel so off course. I need to get back to getting in bed around 10 though…the summer has ruined me!
Erin
I now take showers with the girls playing quietly on the bathroom floor!
Jessica
Wow! This post sounds like you have been peeking in on my life for the past 2 yrs! Since I became a SAHM I would wake up whenever my daughter would. Just in the past 2 weeks I’ve tried to make a change. Our family was suffering. My husband, not getting enough sleep, myself not having time for myself, and my daughter having parents who are not at their best. So, now I wake with my husband (3am!) send him off to work (he likes this, he says it’s nice to have someone else feel his pain of having to wake so early). And I have 2 hours before my daughter wakes a up. With this schedule we have dinner by 4pm (helps with some digestive issues we have been having and nighttime wetting) she’s in bed by 7 and my husband and I are in bed between 8/9pm. It has made all 3 of us better individually, as a couple and as a family! I definitely know this wouldn’t work for all, but there’s a rhythm out there that will work for each family. Just gotta find it! Thank you for sharing!
Erin
Oh wow–3 a.m.! You are a trooper, Jessica! It sounds like you have a wonderful routine worked out!!
Erin
How I wish I could do this consistently! Some days I get to experience the feeling of having almost a whole day’s work in before the kids get up, others I just cannot do it. I feel behind and out of sorts if the kids wake before me.
I work night shift anywhere from 2-4 nights per week… I cherish my sleep so much, probably too much, when I do get to sleep through the night like a normal person.
I’m sure this shift cannot be healthy in the long-term but it’s what I have to do at this point.
Erin
Erin, give yourself grace! You are doing what you need to do for your family. I would never recommend this to anyone who has to work a night shift. You have to do what you have to do. I pray you will find a little time somewhere to recharge, though. Have a good day!! 🙂
ruth
Hi — I’m not a regular reader, but I’m often here looking at recipes or reading posts my friends have linked me to, as I did last night.
Thank you for this post! As a fellow night-owl who fears I’ll never reform, I identified so strongly with this post. Since my running classes ended this past spring, I’ve been fighting myself to continue the discipline of going to bed in time so that I can get up early to run and have devotions. (Like you, I’ve had Kat’s encouraging voice whispering in my ear for my 5 years of motherhood.)
I just want to say, “Keep up the good work!”
And add that I have considered sleeping in my running clothes — if it weren’t for how uncomfortable that stupid running bra is! Three cheers for anything that gets us going in the morning!
Erin
Haha about the running bra!! Thanks for the encouragement, too! 🙂
Mary T
Erin, loved this post! As a grandmother, I have the luxury of waking to myself most days, but I lead a very busy life of work, advocacy and volunteerism for children and families…As a fellow night owl, I decided awhile back to begin rising to my quiet time with the Lord earlier each week by 15 minute increments. Worked well for me and other than on the weekends, I too have set a goal of 11 p.m. for my head to hit the pillow with no caffeine after 8:00. I love my time with God!
Erin
I’m so glad to hear this is a great habit to continue even into grandmother-hood!!
Kristie
I think that is awesome that you are going to bed earlier! I think you are definitely setting yourself up to be healthy in the future that way.
Erin
Thanks!
Courtney Moore
Erin, thanks for this post. I am definitely a night owl… it’s 1:20am as I am reading this! But I know if I could ever go to bed earlier and get up earlier, I would be more productive and my whole day would feel more structured. It’s so hard… but you are doing it! Thanks for the inspiration and nudge to give it another try!
Jill
Thank you so much for this post, Erin! It gives me hope that I’m not the only one struggling with the exact same situation. I’m a WAHM with a 2 1/2 year old and a teacher husband who is home for the summer. I’ve been trying for weeks to get up early to have me time to do things for me before kiddo wakes up, whether it’s working out, crossing a few things off my work to do list, etc., but I just haven’t been able to do it. I keep chalking it up to cherishing sleep, but honestly, I just need to tell myself that I’m worth getting up and doing those things for myself (especially while my husband is home for the summer).
I’m going to look into those early morning resources that you and other commenters mentioned…maybe that will help!
Erin
Uuuummm, I’m pretty sure you have been spying on me because this is MY LIFE!!! lol My oldest is 7.5 and I’ve been waking up to my kids for that long. My boys are good sleepers but my daughter (2yrs) has never been. I’ve wanted to wake up earlier than them for so long but she sometimes wakes in the night still and I lay with her until she falls back asleep. She also doesn’t go to bed (without a huge fight) before 11:00 pm 🙁 I’ve wanted to stop this for a while now but her screaming wakes up the boys and I feel like that’s not fair to them. I so badly want to wake up early and have me and God/exercise time. Any tips on getting your kids to go to bed at a normal time without a fight? My boys just did it, they’ve always been pretty easy…but not her 😉 Thanks for this post!!
Erin
Lee
Great idea! But my 2 hours would have to come in the evening as I have SEVERE INSOMNIA…LIKE REALLLLLLY SEVERE…A “good” night would be me falling asleep by midnight. A normal night-more like 3am or even worse. So early mornings are basically impossible for me. 🙁 I have tried waking up super early so I’d be tired by a normal time, doesn’t work. Have tried pretty much every remedy a person can think of….nothing works.
Erin
Oh no, Lee! I am so sorry! Have you consulted with your doctor about this? That is rough!
Lee
Hi Erin,
Yes had a sleep study and Rx for sleep meds, but hope to try for baby soon and def can’t take sleep meds 🙂 But would rather have a sweet lil baby than extra sleep. The insomnia is just practice I suppose for a baby keeping me up all night. lol….I have to find the positive in a dreadful disorder I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Sleep affects your whole life. But fortunately God has provided me with a job change that will allow more sleep!!! Praise God His timing is always perfect!!! 🙂
Veronica
As you said, it seems this suggestion is ubiquitous! I also enjoy my late nights, and have often wondered how to conquer my mornings. I too wake up to my child diving into my bed. I’ve occasionally considered waking up early, but I always ask myself, When would I spend time with my husband? He is also a night owl, and frequently works late in the home office. We usually don’t spend time together until after 11. If I started going to bed earlier, I’d lose precious time with my husband (we are both talkers and really need a lot of time to talk and hang out to feel good). Any advice?
Thanks!
Erin
Hi Veronica! I would say: Do what works for you! My hubby is a night owl as well, but he has to be at work early during the school year (he is a teacher), so he goes to bed early then. Maybe talk to your hubby about a compromise if this is something important to you?
Katie Kimball
Erin,
Wonderful lesson! I totally KNOW this in my head, but putting it into practice has not been a very successful experiment regularly, probably because I am not so good at point no. 1…going to bed! 😉 Katie
Carrie
This is a great idea! I wish I would have read this sooner. I just found out that my job is being eliminated. I have a 2 year old daughter & expecting my 2nd child in November. I am finally being given an opportunity to be a SAHM. I am hard to get going on the weekends. And was scared that I would run into this when home full time. I am really going to focus on doing this so that I can be my best & be ready to give my best to my family each day. What a great way to give yourself time. I am so grateful I found your site! This will be so helpful for me. Thank you!
Erin Smith
Oh Erin!
First of all you have a great name. 😉 I am so happy that you have issues getting up in the morning too! I hate waking up early with a fiery passion. But I do agree with you that I get a lot more done in the early morning than I do at night. Making a list of why you are doing this and thinking about your days when you do get up early give me motivation too.
Course my baby is 3 months old and still waking me up 2 or more times each night (last night he woke up every 2 hours!) Ugh! I let my husband sleep so he can go to work the next day. And let’s be honest he doesn’t wake up to baby until he’s screaming his head off which isn’t good for anyone and takes a million years for baby to go back to sleep lol.
So I will take your sound advice of still sleeping in when I’m getting up in the middle of the night A LOT haha. But once he sleeps through the night I really want to establish a morning routine.
Erin
Jenetta Penner
Hi Erin, thanks for this wonderful post. Yes, waking up early works wonderfully for me, and it has indeed provided me some much-needed quiet time before I tackle all the tasks that are needed to be done for the day. I guess it takes some time before I got used to my routine but it’s working perfectly for me now. 🙂
Erin
I’m so glad to hear it’s working for you, Jenetta! Happy New Year!!
Kim
I love my sleep app, Sleep Cycle! You set the alarm and it wakes you to a nice melody within 20 min of your chosen time. It wakes you while you are not in a deep sleep!
Brianne
I tried this and failed. If I wanted to exercise it was the only way I could get out and run was when my husband was home in the am before work. But I was exhausted by 9 am and had a full day ahead of me with little kids. I don’t think i will ever be a morning person!! I do much better working out in the evening and being able to go to bed shortly after!
Erin
I feel your pain! This has been hard for me to keep up as well. I think it can change depending on the life season!