I used to be a morning person. It wasn’t just that I could stand the morning, but that I’d voluntarily get up early and go be productive. Sometimes that meant being at work by 7:30am for an eight hour shift. (So, yes, I had to.) But sometimes that meant getting up before my classes in college just to go to the gym or go for a run. I loved being up and awake and productive while the campus was still mostly quiet. And I really loved the feel of getting a jump on the day.
Even up until about six months ago, I was always in the office about a half an hour early, no problem.
But lately, I just can’t get out of bed.
It’s not a depression thing where I don’t want to get out of bed. And I don’t think it’s a pure exhaustion thing either. (At least, nothing more than the normal sleepiness.) I’m not going to bed too much later than I used to.
Just the other day I read an article that suggests that setting your alarm for later, and not hitting snooze is (not too surprisingly) more effective than setting it for earlier and snoozing for another half hour (or so). So that’s the next thing I’m trying. Today was the first test, with moderate to good results. But we’ll see how long it lasts.
Do you have any tried and true techniques for getting out of bed in the morning? A mantra? An incentive? Or just a sense of duty and will power stronger than mine that keeps you from hitting snooze?
I NEVER used the snooze button, until a few months ago. I’m sure you can ponder the reasoning behind that…ehhh…
Other than that? Pure will power. I’ve always been a morning person too – rarely grumpy, always alert, and usually multitasking as I get ready (which typically results in a late start to work, despite how early I get up….dangit).
Hmm…a few months ago…
I actually did find myself with more energy this morning, so I started multitasking. Which resulted in getting to work about the same time as if I’d just snoozed.
I can’t get out of bed without hitting snooze at least three times. Unless I have something pressing – like an appointment or a plane to catch.
So… really helpful, I know! I think the idea of setting the alarm for later is a good one. Let us know how it goes.
I will, of course, keep you posted. As it stands, I’m much more like you – likely to jump out of bed for something pressing. Apparently, work doesn’t qualify.
Let me preface this by saying I am REALLY not a morning person.
I get everything organized the night before – preload the coffee, pack my lunch, lay out my clothes (with shoes, etc). Then, in the morning, I hit snooze, get up for a moment to turn on the lights and start the coffee, and get back into bed for a few more minutes. Waking up gradually really works wonders for me – being jarred awake makes me cranky and disoriented.
I like that idea – waking up gradually. It’s times like this I wish I liked coffee. Diet coke just doesn’t have that same “rise and shine” aroma.
Heh, I suck at getting out of bed in the mornings, so I am no help! I’m much more of a night owl.
You know, I probably wouldn’t mind growing out of being a morning person if I could at least grow into being a night owl. But no. I’m still falling asleep at midnight or earlier and yawning when we’re out on the weekends. Even when I’m having a blast.
I usually snooze three times & then go OMG I’m gonna be LATE! I have getting ready for work quickly down to a science (which includes laying out my clothes & packing my lunch the night before). I’ve always WANTED to be a morning person, but no dice. I’ve considered putting the alarm across the room – but my husband would probably put the kibosh on that little plan.
I’ve thought about that little “across the room” plan. Maybe that will be my next test if the later alarm doesn’t work out.
Honestly, I usually get out of bed because I have to pee. My bladder is a great alarm clock.
i never snoozed until living with my college roommate – she was a FULL HOUR snoozer, like would set her alarm for a freaking HOUR earlier than she needed to get up. i HAAATED it at the time, but it ended up turning ME into a snoozer too, which also sucks.
i hate everything about mornings, am always late to work, and have no suggestions for you. i’m sorry
I know this feeling- last week I was great about getting out of bed but this week I’ve been dragging myself out of bed.
Have you ever snoozed through an entire hour? My snooze is around 15 minutes so I’ve totally done that.