Why I Decided to Wake Up at 5AM for a Month
Like many people, I’d read countless articles and watched inspiring videos about early risers and their seemingly superhuman productivity. The 5AM Club, miracle mornings, successful CEOs—it all sounded a bit mythical. I’m not a natural morning person, but I wanted to see if the benefits were real. So I committed to waking up at 5AM every day for 30 days straight.
The Struggle Is Real: Week One Wake-Up Woes
The first week was brutal. My body protested, my brain was foggy, and I questioned my decision daily. Getting out of bed in the dark felt unnatural. I had to resist every urge to hit snooze. To make it easier, I prepped everything the night before—clothes, journal, water, and a small morning playlist.
I also avoided screens right before bed and set a consistent 9:30PM sleep time. Still, I needed naps on a few days just to survive.
What I Did With the Extra Time Each Morning
Once I started to adjust, the magic began. Those quiet, uninterrupted hours were golden. Here’s how I used them:
- Journaling: 10 minutes to clear my mind and set daily intentions.
- Exercise: A quick 20-30 minute bodyweight or yoga session.
- Reading: 15-20 pages of a book instead of doom-scrolling.
- Planning: Reviewing my to-do list and focusing on my top 3 priorities.
This morning ritual made the rest of my day feel structured and intentional.
Unexpected Benefits: More Than Just Productivity
While productivity improved, that wasn’t the biggest benefit. I felt calmer, more centered, and less reactive during the day. There was a quiet confidence that came from knowing I’d already accomplished something before most people were awake.
My mental clarity also improved. I found that some of my best creative ideas came during those early hours, probably because my brain wasn’t already cluttered with outside noise.
Will I Keep Waking Up at 5AM Foreve
Not every single day—but many days, yes. The experiment showed me that I don’t have to be a night owl. Waking up early gave me time for myself, something I often neglected. The consistency, the structure, the stillness—it’s something I’ll keep coming back to.
If you’re curious, give it a try. Start with just one week. You might surprise yourself.