Does the Midday Sun Get You Going?
By Tom Herrin
Some of us love to hear the chirping of birds and watch the sun rise early in the morning. Others feel energized about noon. While it was once believed that those early risers were more driven and likely to find success, it has been discovered that those of us who gain momentum later in the day can be just as successful. It may be largely a matter of identifying what works for each of us and developing a schedule that can work best with it.
If you are an early riser, working second shift may do you more harm than good. On the other hand, if you do well later in the day, that early shift may be loaded with inefficiency for you. It may all be a matter of individual differences.
The Sun May Rule the Day, For Some
Getting up early and going to bed early certainly has some benefits. If your internal clock tells you to do it, go for it. You probably also do better exercising on the same type of schedule. Following whatever your body tells you to do has some real merit. Seeking a career that complements this may help you to be far more successful and enjoy greater overall success. Trying to make drastic changes when our body does not agree may not be a good idea at all.
The Evening May Be Your Thing
I have never done well with an early schedule. I have found that it leaves me way unproductive and lacking the ability to follow through with what I try to start. I will be much less efficient. On the other hand, I am ready to go from mid-morning often until late in the evening. My ideal workout time is five in the afternoon or later. I can usually drive all night. I know that my internal clock is set that way. I can make some temporary changes at times, but they never stay with me.
Don't Beat Your Head Against the Wall
Trying to force yourself into becoming something that you are not is usually unwise. It may result in a higher rate of accidents and less satisfaction with whatever you are doing. If you need to make adjustments to your schedule, you will likely find it much better if you make small changes at a time. Simply changing the alarm a few minutes at a time once a week overall several weeks may work best. While we can make changes, there is little need to try to fight your natural tendencies. Just enjoy the ride.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Brentwood, Calif.