The Early Bird Advantage: How Waking Up at 5 AM Changed My Perspective

The Early Bird Advantage: How Waking Up at 5 AM Changed My Perspective

Edited By |
Miranda Kerr, the billionaire supermodel with her mega-mansion in LA, and I may share very few things in common, but after interviewing her a month ago, I discovered one significant similarity: we both rise at 5 AM. For Miranda, it’s the demands of motherhood, with her six-month-old daughter needing her attention. I vividly remember that phase of life—endless sleepless nights and waking up to a relentless cycle that left me utterly exhausted and overwhelmed.

At 50, my body has developed a mind of its own when it comes to waking up. It’s baffling! Why is it that I can’t sleep in, even on vacation? I find myself awake at 5:18 AM after a late night, and if I wake up at 5:42 AM, I dread what kind of day awaits me. The National Sleep Foundation reports that 61% of menopausal women experience disrupted sleep, so I know I’m not alone in this struggle.

Initially, I was frustrated by my early awakenings, lamenting my inability to nourish my body with sleep while a cozy bed awaited me. I worried about my productivity throughout the day and my capacity to handle family challenges with enough resilience. However, a realization struck me: rather than drowning in my body’s misalignment, I could harness these early hours to improve my life.

Being a lark, I am at my most productive in the mornings. Instead of succumbing to frustration, I began to embrace this time. In fact, the very passage you’re reading now was written at 6:45 AM. I take advantage of this quiet time to draft emails and WhatsApp messages, which I save for later to avoid waking anyone up with notifications. This newfound routine allows me to exercise, think clearly, and organize my day without interruptions.

READ
Andy Murray Stuns Fans with Halloween Transformation as Scary Clown Dad: A Look Inside His Life Beyond Tennis

By 10 AM, as others are just starting their day with caffeine, I feel a sense of accomplishment wash over me. However, there’s a trade-off; I find myself exhausted by 9 PM, often feeling a bit irritable. To counteract this, I’ve prioritized an early bedtime, a strategy I’ve learned is vital for maintaining balance in my life.

Interestingly, this is yet another connection I share with Miranda. She mentioned that her husband, Evan Spiegel (founder of Snapchat), prefers to be in bed by 8 PM! While I may not have the allure of a supermodel or a billion-dollar fortune, the pursuit of a balanced life in the face of chaotic parenting and aging brings me solace.

For inspiring stories of women living their best midlife, check out Hello!’s Second Act hub. Embracing an early start has transformed not just my mornings, but my overall approach to life, making every waking hour feel like a step towards greater fulfillment.