There’s a profound difference between being an early bird and a night owl.
For the longest time, I tried to force myself into the mold of a “morning person,” convinced that was the key to productivity and success. But it felt like I was fighting against my own nature.
Then I stopped. Instead, I embraced my love for the evening hours, developing seven habits that transformed not only my productivity but my entire life.
In this article, I’ll share the unexpected freedom and benefits this change has brought me. It’s been a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, and I hope it will inspire you to embrace your natural rhythm too.
1) Embracing my natural rhythm
Life is full of expectations, and for years, one of the most pervasive was the idea that success comes to those who rise with the sun.
I took this belief to heart, forcing myself to become a morning person. But no matter how hard I tried, I always felt like I was swimming against the current – struggling to get up early and then feeling lethargic throughout the day.
Then I decided to stop forcing myself and instead, started embracing my natural rhythm. I discovered that I was more of an evening person. And guess what? Once I began aligning my habits with my own internal clock, not only did my productivity improve, but I also felt more at ease and in tune with myself.
What a relief it was to stop fighting against my own nature and instead, embrace it. This was a significant turning point in my journey towards personal freedom and self-acceptance.
2) Cultivating a peaceful evening routine
My life before was full of rushed mornings and hurried routines. I was always chasing the day, trying to catch up, and it left me feeling stressed and frazzled.
When I embraced being a night owl, I realized that my evenings didn’t have to be spent mindlessly watching TV or scrolling through social media. Instead, I could use this time to unwind, reflect on my day, and prepare for the next.
I started developing an evening routine that included journaling, reading, and taking a relaxing bath. It was a game-changer. I found that this nightly ritual helped calm my mind, making me more centered and focused the next day.
By giving myself permission to slow down in the evenings, I discovered a newfound sense of peace and tranquility that had been missing from my life. This personal time became a sacred space for self-care and reflection, transforming my daily experience.
3) Significant productivity in the evening
Contrary to popular belief, the evening hours can be a time of immense productivity. Multiple studies have shown that night owls often display greater intelligence, creativity, and independence compared to their early bird counterparts.
The quiet solitude of night can create a conducive environment for focused work, free from distractions. This can be especially beneficial for tasks that require deep thinking or creativity, allowing night owls to produce high-quality work during their peak performance hours.
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So, while society may champion the early bird, it’s worth remembering that the night owl has its own unique set of advantages. It’s all about finding what works best for you and making that your strength.
4) Reduced stress and increased relaxation
When I was forcing myself to be a morning person, I was constantly battling against time. The alarm clock was my enemy, and the snooze button, my false friend. This unhealthy relationship with time inevitably led to stress.
However, when I switched to embracing my evening habits, I noticed a significant decrease in my stress levels. I no longer felt rushed or pressured to tick off tasks on my to-do list before the sun rose.
Instead, I found a beautiful rhythm in the evening hours. My nights became a time for relaxation and rejuvenation, rather than a scramble to prepare for the next day. This shift not only improved my mental health but also significantly enhanced my overall well-being.
5) Overcoming the guilt of not being an early riser
One of the toughest battles I fought during this transition was with myself. I carried a lot of guilt for not being that productive, upbeat morning person society often praises. I even questioned my discipline and worth at times.
Letting go of this guilt was a crucial step in my journey. I had to recognize and accept that being an evening person did not equate to being lazy or less successful. It merely meant that my productivity and energy peaks were different from those of an early riser.
Once I accepted this, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. I was no longer bound by societal norms or expectations, but free to follow my own unique rhythm and schedule. This acceptance was liberating and empowering, and it led to a significant boost in my self-esteem and overall happiness.
6) Enhanced creativity during the quiet hours
When I started embracing my evening habits, I noticed an interesting shift in my creative output. The quiet and solitude of the night seemed to spark my imagination and fuel my creative thinking.
I found that ideas flowed more freely and I was able to dive deeper into my projects without interruptions or distractions. It was as if the calmness of the night allowed my thoughts to roam freely, leading to innovative ideas and solutions.
This boost in creativity was not only exciting but also highly rewarding. It allowed me to approach my work with a fresh perspective, leading to improved results and satisfaction.
7) Authenticity leads to freedom
At the end of the day, the biggest lesson I’ve learned from this journey is the power of authenticity. The moment I stopped trying to fit into a mold that wasn’t meant for me and started embracing my true self, I found freedom.
Being true to yourself, honoring your natural rhythms, and creating a lifestyle that suits you can lead to an unexpected sense of freedom. It’s liberating to live life on your own terms and makes every day more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to life. Discover what works best for you, embrace it, and watch as your life transforms in ways you never thought possible.
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