- Goal
- Timing
- Step #1: Immediate Wakeup At Same Time
- Sunrise Alarm Clock With Bird Noises
- Cooling & Warming Mattress
- Step #2: Energize
- Mini Trampoline
- AeroPress Coffee Maker
- High-Quality Coffee
- Blue Light Therapy
- Bubba Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 30 oz.
- Jagged Foam Roller
- Sauna
- Fresh Air
- Diet
Goal
Wake up in the morning feeling fully rested and ready to go.
Timing
- Bed Time: 9:30pm
- Wake Up: 6:00am
Step #1: Immediate Wakeup At Same Time
The #1 key to consistently waking up early is going to bed early enough to get a good night's sleep and going to bed at the same time so your circadian rhythm is set.
Even then, I still find it hard to jump out of bed when it's still pitch dark outside. So the tools below are helpful...
Sunrise Alarm Clock With Bird Noises
My Review:
I love how this gradually wakes me when it's still pitch dark outside. The light gets gradually brighter and so do the bird noises.
Purchase:
Cooling & Warming Mattress
My Review:
I program it to get warm at my wakeup time. The higher temperature naturally and gradually wakes me up. Also, when I'm cold when I wake up, I find it hard to get out of bed because I don't want to get colder. Now that I have this, getting out of bed is much easier.
Purchase:
Step #2: Energize
Mini Trampoline
My Review:
I've had several brands of trampolines over the years. What I like about this one is that it uses bungee chords rather than springs. This makes it quieter. Furthermore, it looks better, is safer, and there is no cover to get worn down.
Purchase:
AeroPress Coffee Maker
My Review:
I found this highly recommended several times in Kevin Kelly's Four Favorite Tools: Fantastic Tools Selected by 150 Notable Creators. Since I have coffee everyday, I wanted to have the highest quality rather than the K-cups powder. So, I made the purchase. It's also very easy to travel with.
Purchase:
High-Quality Coffee
I set out to look for the highest quality coffee and this is what I found.
Purchase:
Blue Light Therapy
If I'm still tired or it's a dreary day, I turn this on for 20 minutes.
Purchase:
Bubba Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 30 oz.
As I'm making the coffee every morning I fill this up, drink half of it, fill it up to the top again, and then bring it to my desk. I love this mug because it's easy to hold and I fit in my car's cupholder. Most other mugs this size don't have these properties.
Purchase:
Jagged Foam Roller
Throughout the day, as I'm sitting, I'm a little bent over forwards. I love using this roller because it not only finds those deep knots in my back, but also because I use it to open up my back. I don't use this everyday. I mainly use it when I'm having back pain or it's one of those dreary days where I can't seem to wake my body up.
Purchase:
Sauna
I started going to the sauna 3-4 times per week in 2013, and I haven't looked back ever since. I love it, because it's something easy to get myself to do without will-power, and I always feel great afterwards. On weekdays, I use the sauna in the evening a few hours before bed time. But, on the weekends, going to the sauna is typically one of the first things that I do. For research on the power of the sauna, I highly recommend reading Rhonda Patrick's compilation. I used to use the sauna at the gym, but once Covid hit, I decided to make the investment, and I cancelled my gym membership. It was a big investment (including the assembly), but it will last for 20 years and pay for itself.
Purchase:
Fresh Air
Not everything has to cost money. I like taking a step for a minute or two on the back porch.
Diet
I've been doing intermittent fasting since 2014. Therefore, I don't eat anything on weekdays until 4pm. As a result, food is not part of my wakeup routine.