Waking Up Early: A Gentle Path Back to Yourself
One of the simplest, yet most powerful changes I’ve explored is this: wake up earlier. I’ve discovered the incredible benefit it offers. Not to be more productive. Not to tick more off the to-do list. But to reclaim my mornings—and with them, a sense of peace and presence that ripples through my entire day.
There’s something profoundly grounding about early mornings. Before the emails, the phone calls, the demands. When the world is still quiet, and you have space to meet yourself without interruption. It’s a time to settle your nervous system, gather your thoughts, and set your emotional tone for the day.
I often start the day with a gentle ritual: a walk by the sea, a slow stretch, a few minutes of mindful breathing, playing with my cat, or sipping a warm green tea while watching the light change outside. These aren’t “tasks”—they’re moments of connection. They help shift us out of reactivity and into a more mindful, centred state.
And don’t forget gratitude. It’s simple, but powerful. Just one or two things we can genuinely feel thankful for each morning can begin to rewire our perspective over time. Gratitude softens the edges of anger and restlessness. It reminds us of what’s still good, even when life feels hard.
If waking up early isn’t something you’re used to, don’t force a big change. Start small—set your alarm 10 minutes earlier each day, and use that time to do something just for you. Something gentle, something grounding. Most people find that within a few weeks, their body and mind begin to adjust—and even look forward to this quiet pocket of time.
I’ve seen this one small shift—rising early, with intention—make a huge difference in people’s lives. It won’t fix everything, but it can be a foundation. A soft place to land each morning, and a strong place to rise from.
And if you need someone to walk alongside you as you make these changes, that’s what I’m here for.
References:
Jones, S. E., et al. (2019). The mental health benefits of being an early riser. Harvard Gazette. Retrieved from https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2019/01/benefits-of-being-an-early-riser-vs-a-night-owl/
Walker, M. (2017). Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Scribner.
American Psychological Association. (2019). Better sleep can improve stress response and increase positivity. Health Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2019/05/sleep-stress-positivity