I got back on the morning movement train this week: a 6:45 a.m. jog with a friend and two 6:30 a.m. yoga classes. It was becoming increasingly clear to me that not moving in the morning makes me vulnerable to getting caught up in work, etc. later in the day and missing whatever my afternoon fitness plans are. And then I feel mildly unhinged.
If life feels busy, morning movement can be critical for you. Those hours between 5-7 a.m. or so might be the only hours of your day that you don’t feel sidetracked by coworkers or family members or random errands that can pop up and derail your plans to take time for yourself. Take advantage of those precious hours.
In one of the yoga classes I took this week, the teacher, Greg, reminded us all that motivation won’t always get us to show up and move in the morning, but discipline will. I’d say the same for showing up for yourself.
So get disciplined not just in showing up, but in setting yourself up for being able to show up. Make it so easy you have no choice.
Here are a few quick tips for getting up early to work out:
(1) If you like coffee and/or breakfast first thing, make it the night before so all you have to do is toss your mug, etc. into the microwave when you’re half awake the next day.
(2) Put out your workout clothes the night before. And your socks and shoes and yoga mat and keys and mask and wallet, and whatever else you need. There’s no point losing time in the morning stumbling around in the dark looking for those things.
(3) Set multiple alarms. Set two on your phone and one on an alarm clock so you can’t miss it and so the racket is so obnoxious you’re jolted out of bed. Maybe even get your significant other to set an alarm, too. (Isn’t it sweet when they do that?)
(4) If you can sign up for a class in advance, do it. Money down kicks that accountability into gear. Plus, you know the instructor will know if you don’t show up.
(5) Go. To bed. Earlier. I think this is the hardest one, but there’s no chance in hell you’re getting up before dawn feeling chipper when you’re not resting enough to make it happen. Most adults should be targeting that 7-8 hour range of solid sleep time. Set a calendar reminder for yourself to start moving in the direction of your bed if you have to. It helps.
And when all is said and done – and prepared for – get up, show up, enjoy it. Be grateful for this chance to move your body and to do something for your health and wellbeing. Your whole day will be brighter because of it.
