Morning Routines and Working Hours: Navigating the Challenges of Early Rising

Working from dawn until late in the evening can present significant challenges, particularly when schedules shift early in the day. This article explores the perspectives of individuals working at 7 AM and discusses the nuances of working different hours, including the benefits and drawbacks of early mornings.

Morning Enthusiasts and the 7 AM Conundrum

For individuals whoare natural morning people, such as those working from 5 AM to 6 AM, the transition to a 7 AM schedule can be relatively smooth. A morning enthusiast like John, who wakes up by 5:30 AM and finds the 5 AM start manageable, might find the 7 AM shift a pleasant change. In fact, he comments, 7 AM sounds like a gift.

Enjoying the Early Hour

John’s experience underscores the joy that many feel in starting their day early. For people who love mornings, the day commences with a period of minimal disruption to their natural routines. It allows for a leisurely breakfast, a quick exercise routine, or extra time for preparation before the workday begins. The early start aligns with their natural circadian rhythms, leading to a more productive and energized day.

Furthermore, John’s experience highlights the benefits of being able to work via conference calls with international colleagues. Being in the office at 5 AM to conference call with the parent company’s teams in the Netherlands every day to give status reports enables effective collaboration across time zones, a critical aspect of global business operations.

The Challenges of Night Owls

Not everyone is a natural morning person, however, and as Mary points out, she gets into bed by 8 PM every day. This suggests that by 7 AM, she is likely still trying to recover from the previous night’s activities. For night owls, a 7 AM start can be a significant challenge. Mary explains, I just can’t do it.

Darkness and Sleep

The transition to earlier work hours can be difficult for those who are accustomed to staying up later. According to cultural norms in some regions, work hours may extend until 7 PM. However, Mary notes that her pattern was influenced by earlier curfew times where shops closed at 5 PM. The shift to later hours, while improving shopping and dining options, can disrupt sleep patterns for those who rely on early mornings.

For Mary, the 8 PM bedtime is a natural behavior developed over time, and the 7 AM start feels too early. This underscores the importance of considering individual sleep patterns and personal routines when scheduling work hours.

Adapting to Change

The transition from a 5 AM to a 7 AM start can be managed with careful adaptation to routines and lifestyle. As Emily suggests, I can do 7 AM but really don’t want to. This reflects a balance between the benefits of a regular early start and personal preferences.

Strategies for Successful Early Starts

To make the 7 AM start manageable, individuals can:

Adjust Sleep Times: Gradually shift bedtime earlier by adjusting nightly routines, such as reducing screen time before sleep.

Early Start Activities: Utilize the early morning hours for productive tasks, such as exercising, reviewing tasks, or preparing for the day.

Healthy Routines: Embrace healthy habits like a nutritious breakfast and a quick workout to energize the start of the workday.

By making small adjustments and recognizing the body's natural rhythms, individuals can better adapt to different work schedules.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a morning enthusiast or a night owl, the adjustment to early morning work hours requires careful consideration of personal routines and sleep patterns. While the 7 AM start can offer advantages like effective international communication and personal relaxation later in the evening, it's important to find a balance that aligns with individual preferences.

By understanding and adapting to your own body's needs, you can navigate the challenges of early working hours with greater ease and find a sustainable work-life balance.