Summary

The article presents a philosophical approach to overcoming the challenge of waking up early, advocating for embracing one's purpose and adopting a disciplined lifestyle to improve sleep quality and morning readiness.

Abstract

The article titled "These 162 Words Will Drag You out of Bed in the Morning" delves into the common struggle of waking up early and proposes a stoic perspective to tackle this issue. It suggests that individuals should remind themselves of their purpose as human beings to perform the tasks they were born to do, rather than succumbing to the comfort of bed. Drawing from the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, the article encourages readers to love their nature and the demands of their life's work, even if it means sacrificing comfort. The author, a self-proclaimed voracious reader, shares personal habits that contribute to better sleep hygiene and a natural wake-up routine, such as avoiding electronic devices before bed, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and engaging in daily physical activity. The article also lists signs of inadequate sleep and concludes with practical takeaways for readers to implement, emphasizing the importance of going to bed early and starting the day with reflective reading.

Opinions

The author believes that waking up early aligns with human nature and the pursuit of one's life's work.
Reading non-fiction before bed is seen as beneficial for sleep, contrary to the common advice that it may stimulate the brain.
The article suggests that a disciplined approach to sleep, including a technology-free bedroom and a routine that includes physical activity, can significantly improve one's ability to wake up early.
The author values quality sleep and outlines specific practices to enhance it, such as avoiding caffeine, eating light before bedtime, and maintaining an optimal room temperature.
There is an emphasis on the idea that humans are inherently designed to be active and contribute to the world, much like other living creatures.
The author's personal experience is offered as evidence that these practices can lead to a more motivated and clear-minded existence.
The article promotes the concept of stoicism as a tool for self-improvement and discipline in daily life.

Mornings | Sleep | Health

These 162 Words Will Drag You out of Bed in the Morning

Why do we hate waking up early in the morning?

Without wasting your time, let’s read.

At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself:

“I have to go to work–as a human being.

What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for–the things which I was brought into the world to do?

Or

Is this what I was created for?

To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?”

–But it’s nicer here…

So you were born to feel ‘nice?’

Instead of doing things and experiencing them?

Why aren’t you running to do what your nature demands?

–But we have to sleep sometime…

Agreed.

But nature set a limit on that–as it did on eating and drinking.

And you’re over the limit.

But not of working.

There you’re still below your quota.

You don’t love yourself enough.

Or

You’d love your nature too and what it demands of you.

People who love what they do wear themselves down doing it, they even forget to wash and eat. — Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius was a trained philosopher who applied his knowledge to rule. I came across this quote while searching about how people used to live in the past.

Did they struggle like us when waking up in the morning?

Then, one day, I stumbled upon the concept of stoicism. After that, I read all the books by Ryan Holiday, an accomplished writer.

You might know that I am a voracious reader if you read my blogs.

These 28 Reading Rules Transformed My Life

I read all types of genres.

But my favorite genre is non-fiction. I think there is some solution that already exists, which I am looking for today.

Example: How to wake up early in the morning?

The only thing that is working for me to wake up early in the morning and then go to work is going to bed early.

I don’t take a cell in my bedroom.

A physical book and a basic lamp are always on the side table.

I also use my Kindle if I am not in the mood to read a physical book.

It’s so natural that I pick the book or Kindle each night. I prefer Paperwhite Kind.

Why?

Because I do not have many options, there are only two choices to make.

Two Books I Will Re-Read Every Year Until the Day I Die

I don’t have a set time to read. I know people say you should not read mentally demanding (non-fiction) material before going to bed.

They will stimulate your brain.

Yes, they do.

But it always helps me to fall asleep.

I don’t use an alarm clock to wake up. I used to, but not anymore.

It’s so natural that my body starts to wake up with 7–8 hours of quality sleep.

I make sure I do everything in my power to boost quality sleep.

I always fall asleep before 11:30 PM.
I don’t consume caffeine at least 6 hours before bedtime — not even chocolate. They have a lot of caffeine.
Make sure to do 10000 steps daily, roughly 5 miles (8 KM), which usually takes one hour and 30 minutes; I walk twice around the pond close to my home.
Avoid big meals before bedtime
Invest in excellent blackout curtains — these are the best.
Set the optimum room temperature for sleeping. According to the Sleep Foundation, the best room temperature for sleep is between 60–68F or 15.55- 20C. I keep it at 15 all the time.

7 subtle signs of lack of sleep

no motivation
tired all the time
sleeping in the daytime — not napping
Brain fog — I used to have brain fog, and the only thing that helped it go away was long walks and quality sleep
too much yawning
Irritable common cause sleep depravation

Takeaways

The road to waking up early in the morning is difficult. These two things are working for me. Let me recall.

Go to bed early — reread how to boost quality sleep
As soon as you are up, read these 162 words

At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: “I have to go to work — as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for — the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?”

If there is still resistance, read the following.

So you were born to feel “nice”? Instead of doing things and experiencing them? Don’t you see the plants, the birds, the ants and spiders and bees going about their individual tasks, putting the world in order, as best they can? And you’re not willing to do your job as a human being? Why aren’t you running to do what your nature demands?

Thank you for reading. I wish you a happy and healthy life.

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