I always considered myself a night owl. I'd stay up until 2-3am for the night time serenity. My partner and others disapproved and considered it unhealthy.
Now I wake around 3-4 am and get the same night time serenity. But the perception of this patten is different. I'm considered an early riser - disciplined and driven.
I've noticed my concentration is much better under the new early rising regime.
Here's my schedule:
- 4 am. Wake up. Depending on my mood and deadlines I'll either jump straight into work or take some leisure time surfing the web.
- 5 am. Dog wakes up and makes it clear that we're going for a walk. So we go to the park and play. The park is empty at this early hour so its good for training.
- 7am. If I havent done so already I start work to coincide with my team on the other side of the country.
- 3pm. Start winding down. Have a beer.
- 5pm. Parter comes home from work and we go to the park with the dog. Lots of dogs at this time and its great fun for all.
- 7pm. Dinner.
- 8pm. Bed.
- 4am. Wake.
Does my social life suffer? Well i've found that its a case of diminishing returns. I used to be the guy who partied until 3am. Now I party until 10pm. And I've discovered I'm having just as much fun. It would seem socialising is a case of diminishing returns for me. I also avoid the shattering hangover.