The 0 Dark 30 Experiment – A Month In

I mentioned in a previous post that I’d been getting up earlier lately, as an experiment to see what being an early bird could do for this former night owl.

I’m about a month into the experiment, and the results are quite promising. I have:

• been getting up at 5am consistently over this period, enough so that I now regularly wake before my alarm goes off, on my own.
• found it easier to get to bed at a decent hour, and rarely stay up past midnight.
• put together an exercise regimen of 30-60 minutes a day, 6 days a week.
• lost nearly 13 pounds, thanks to exercise and better eating habits.
• managed to maintain control of my inbox, which had become entirely unmanageable in the past.
• made it through my first cold while on this routine, which seemed to pass more quickly than past colds.

Having extra time when I’m rested and not tired from a long day has been a big help to me. I recommend giving it a try. Even if you don’t think you’re a morning person, you might surprise yourself!

Comments

• Anonymous
  February 10, 2009
  Nice, hardest points in the past have been illnesses, vacations, or work travel to derail yourself from this.  I haven't quite shifted back to the early morning routine, but it usually involves me going to bed by 10 PM which isn't always possible due to late night conference calls with India. Keep it up and I'll keep up with the blog to see how you are progressing.  btw, I'm down 20 lbs since December when I began working out six days a week too.

• Anonymous
  February 11, 2009
  Hearing that you're a former night owl encourages me. :)