I used to get up at 5 am when I worked full time outside the home. Having to get myself ready, get the boys ready for the sitter, dropped off and to school, being an early riser was just part of it. But it has been a few years since I had that routine. So this new change has taken a lot of effort. To be honest, once I am up, I'm good! It is just making myself sit up, swing my feet to the floor and shuffle to the basement.
This week I was curious as to if I would notice anything different from starting my day with a workout versus sleeping until my boys wake up. I'm really surprised at all I've noticed, in just four days!
{O N E} More Energy
Considering my old wake up time is a couple hours later, I was really worried that I would feel tired getting up so early. Sluggish around nap time, maybe. I haven't experienced that at all!! I am much more alert. I am more productive. I feel like I have time to get several things done in the morning after my workout before my kids get up. I feel more focused during the day; just clearer in general. As a mom with young kids growing my own business and juggling my outside responsibilities, this extra energy has been a HUGE benefit!
{T W O} More Time
My workout is only 30 minutes. When I finish, I have a good hour (or MORE) before my kids wake up most days. I have that extra time to fold some laundry, unload the dishwasher, clear my inbox, review the days activities so I am prepared for what we are doing. It is so, so nice. I mean, of course it's obvious: get up earlier, you have more time to get things done. Actually having it though, and utilizing it-- our home has run much more smoothly this week.
{T H R E E} More Patience
With more energy and things already crossed off the to-do list when my kids wake up, I have so much more patience. It sounds terrible, I know. But I used to feel tired. Or because I slept late, I felt rushed. And when I feel that way my patience has a tendency to run a little thin.
I love having my workout out of the way. I love that a quick devotional and time in prayer starts my day. I feel much more able to be present with my kids instead of running around trying to get everything done. I mean, the whole reason I work so hard is so I can be present purposefully in their lives. Waking up and working out early is absolutely helping me do that.
{F O U R} More Food
Ok. Maybe not more food. I am following the 21 Day Fix portion control containers which is a ton of food. But I'm noticing I feel hungrier quicker. When I wake up and workout in a fasted state, I am burning through stored calories instead of what I've taken in that day. I feel leaner when I wake up. And that is an awesome feeling after just 4 days.
I am excited to keep going with this new habit! Any other early morning workout fans? What are your favorite parts of getting your sweat on early? I'd love to know!
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