The first shift when I play hockey is a shock to the system. I go from a nice, slow warm-up with a few laps and some stick handling/shooting activities to a FULL SPEED puck-chasing body-bumping-heart pumping effort. My whole energy system jumps into a this-again mode.
Normal Morning
That is similar to the first morning consciousness of most people.
BBBBUUUZZZZZ, drag yourself out of bed, hit the hot water in the shower, rush around the house, get into the car (sometimes cold/hot), and then sit in traffic until your “work” day begins.
LifeInFIRE – 1st shift
I’ve developed a different routine for my morning. I wake up when my body naturally decides it’s time to open my eyes. I usually check my morning heart rate on my phone, check my Heart Rate Variance, check my sleep report for my watch and oura ring, then pull in any new podcasts, then lay there and breathe and relax.
This first period of my day generally lasts at least 20-30 minutes. I can look out my window and usually see the bright blue sky. It’s a wonderful way to start the day. There is no annoying sound breaking the silence. There is no immediate need to get up and moving. There is no need to rush for any reason. I couldn’t ask for more from a first-thing-in-the-morning schedule.
To be honest, my routine started when I was working. I somehow crafted the ability to work from home for the last 6-7 years of my career.
After I’m up and moving, I tend to begin my daily “commute” (sitting in my spa).
After my commute (which I often hear the neighbors driving down the street) I am fully focused on my amazing morning. It NEVER gets old.
Gratitude
I have talked to others who block their time from 8-9a, or even 8-11a. Recognizing the ability to set your mind into a grateful perspective is so valuable. It would be wonderful if more people were able to find the good things in their lives and concentrate on those, rather than complaining so often.
*** Nothing in this article is to be construed as financial advice. I am not a financial planner, nor do I pretend to be. You should always consult your own professional when seeking advice. This post is not a piece of literary mastery, just a random thought I had.