How Waking up 5 Am Everyday Changed My Life

I thought I wasn’t a morning person. Usually, I sleep in until about 9 or 10 am, and even then I’ll feel like murdering someone while trying to make breakfast.

For context, I am a stay-at-home mom with two sons — an active two-year-old and a clingy 2- month-old. Ever since I gave birth to my second son, I struggled to adapt to the newborn phase all over again while also caring for a toddler.

My newborn wanted to be held all the time while my toddler was now constantly vying for my attention. How do I get anything done with kids again? Every day I was rushing to find time to cook, clean, do laundry, feed the kids, and even take a shower. Often I couldn’t find the time to do everything or was interrupted in the midst of a chore.

I was exhausted, really stressed and lacking sleep. Naturally, I felt that I deserve to sleep in a little later in the mornings, or until one of my kids woke up (they usually wake up at 9 or 10 am).

Each day felt like a battle. My house was never clean, dishes always piled up, and sometimes I simply resorted to getting food delivery on the days where I just couldn’t find time to cook (which made me feel guilty because it’s expensive).

I know what you’re thinking. Why don’t I just do it when the baby is sleeping? Well, all babies are different. Mine hasn’t been much of a day-napper since he turned a month old. He will only sleep in short bursts and when he’s not asleep, he wants to be held.

I felt like a failure. I’m a SAHM, a housewife, and I can’t even take care of the house? What’s wrong with me? Why is it so hard?

Then one day, after completing my morning prayers at around 530am, I sat down alone with my thoughts. It was still before dusk — quiet, peaceful, kids were asleep. I was thinking about what I can cook for lunch and dinner, what chores needed to be done etc. Usually, I will go back to sleep at this point, but that day I decided to get up, take a shower, and do some chores.

Here’s what happened:

I managed to do all the things I needed to be done by the day in the morning.

That day, I managed to prep and cook for the day, wash the dishes, sweep and tidy up the house, do a load of laundry, fold my clothes, and most importantly, eat breakfast (I’ve been skipping breakfast because, by the time I get some time to sit down and eat, it’s already noon)!

I was amazed. What usually took me a whole day to finish, took me just 2-3 hours in the morning. I can do things much faster and efficiently, as my mind is sharper in the morning and I only have to focus on the tasks at hand. The best part was, I actually felt happy doing it. It was a breeze compared to doing it later on in the day when the kids are awake. No distractions, no interruptions. Just peace and quietude. I felt even happier after completing all the chores, which was a real mood booster to start my day. This brings me to my next point.

I was less stressed and much happier the rest of the day.

Before this, in between being busy with the kids, my mind would think about all the chores and cooking I have to do. I will get stressed and worried especially when trying to find the time to cook meals. This always made me on edge and as a result, I’m often rushing everything.

But since waking up in the morning and settling all the main things that needed to be done, I didn’t have to worry about them the rest of the day. I didn’t need to rush here and there wishing I could split my body in half. I felt much more relaxed and was able to enjoy my day.

I could focus more of my time and attention on my kids.

As I felt more relaxed, my focus was better and I could direct it towards my kids. I was able to spend some time playing or reading with my toddler and talking to my baby (he smiles now).

It made a difference to my kids’ behaviour too because I was calmer, hence their moods were much better as well.

As a mom, your mood has such a big effect on the family. Just think about when your own mom was upset or angry. The whole family will feel it too — like there’s a raging storm culminating throughout the house.

A calm parent = a happy child.

When our little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it is our job to share our calm, not join their chaos. — LR Knost

I’m able to write again.

With the extra time, I earned not worrying about stuff, I can now do things I want to do when I have some free time during the day.

I’m able to free up my mind to write again. I’m able to think of new ideas. I can read, learn, and express myself. I can have some nice me-time with no chores in the way.

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Why should you do it?

I know some of you may be thinking, well of course you can do that extra stuff, it’s just you have extra time from sacrificing sleep. Well yes, it’s extra time to do stuff, but it’s more than that. It’s extra time to do stuff that you need to get out of the way so that you have time to focus on doing what you want for the rest of the day.

• Mornings are the best times to follow a routine or schedule
• You’re likely to be faster and more accurate at tasks
• Lesser distractions in the morning
• Improves your mood to do work throughout the day
• Less stress the rest of the day

If you get tired later on in the day, take breaks and squeeze in a nap if you can to keep energy levels up. Hopefully, it will help us be more productive, happier, and better at our work.

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This post was previously published on Medium.

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