Ketiz Singh

My 30-Day Challenge to Wake Up at 5:00 A.M.

Rise and Shine

Hey there, young readers! Have you ever thought about waking up at 5:00 a.m. every day? Well, I decided to take on this challenge to see how it would impact my productivity and overall life. Let me tell you all about my journey through early mornings and late nights!

The Myth of Late-Night Work

Back when I started my freelancing career, I was a notorious late-night worker. But not in the “going out partying” kind of way—more like procrastinating all day and ending up working past 2:00 a.m. I realized I needed to change my habits, especially when I started living with my partner, Natalie.

Living with Natalie made me appreciate early mornings. Watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee is truly magical, even in a bustling city like Los Angeles. So, I decided to challenge myself to wake up at 5:00 a.m. every day for 30 days. Little did I know, it wouldn’t be as easy as I thought!

The Importance of Sleep

Before diving into this challenge, I knew I had to prioritize sleep. Research shows that getting less than 7 hours of sleep per night can have serious consequences on our health and lifespan. So, I aimed to get a solid 8 hours of sleep each night by going to bed at 9:00 p.m.

Adjusting to this new sleep schedule wasn’t easy. The first week felt like jet lag, and my sleep quality suffered. And just when I thought I was getting the hang of it, I had to travel back home to New Jersey, dealing with a three-hour time difference and disrupted sleep patterns.

The Reality of Habit Change

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when we least expect it. Despite my best efforts to stick to my 5:00 a.m. wake-up time, late nights with family, jet lag, and sleep deprivation during my trip derailed my routine. It was a reminder that my health and well-being come first.

After returning to LA, it took me another week to find my rhythm again. I eventually established a morning routine that included a workout at the gym before diving into work. But even with nearly 20 days of early mornings, I didn’t see a significant increase in productivity. Sometimes, our existing routines work better than forcing ourselves into drastic changes.

Reflections and Lessons Learned

As I wrapped up my 30-day challenge, I realized that while waking up at 5:00 a.m. had its perks, it wasn’t sustainable for me in the long run. Despite getting enough time in bed, my energy levels dipped, and I didn’t see a substantial shift in my productivity. I learned that flexibility and balance are key in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

So, as I bid farewell to my early morning experiment, I’m excited to return to my regular routine of waking up between 6 or 7 a.m. Life is full of challenges, but it’s important to find what works best for you. And if you ever feel like trying out a 30-day challenge, remember to listen to your body and prioritize your well-being above all.

Thanks for joining me on this journey! If you want to stay updated on future challenges and adventures, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on social media. Remember, it’s okay to embrace change but always stay true to yourself. Until next time!