Rise and Thrive: Spring Forward This March with Your Own Bonus Minutes
Wake up a few minutes earlier and use that time to give yourself what you really need.
As March rolls around with its annual Daylight Savings time change, I usually grumble about the lost hour, as if it held the key to magically completing all my tasks. But this year, I paused and asked myself: What if I viewed "springing forward" as a chance to reassess my morning routine? What if I took it a step further and woke up a little earlier to reclaim bonus minutes for what I truly need most?
Embracing my Lil' Habit philosophy, I started small by setting my alarm 5 minutes earlier and experimenting with wake-up tunes. I also gave my Resistance a boundary to push against by creating a lil' habit: a five-count breathing meditation before rising out of bed. When my Resistance gripes that it's too early to get up (5 minutes is a real deal-breaker for her), I agree wholeheartedly, inhaling and exhaling for 5 counts, and then I put my feet on the floor.
The deal is that I get to do whatever I want with those newly found minutes, so I decided to make my bonus time a slow and nurturing experience. Instead of cramming in more productivity, I want to honor my own pace and create space for myself to bloom. So far, I've discovered that a tall glass of water and a funky soundtrack do the trick, but I'll continue to add more minutes and integrate more intentional choices that open me up to the day. Maybe it'll be kisses and cuddles with my pets, brain-dumping, deep stretching, or time on the treadmill. It's up to me!
What do you want your morning to do for you? Give yourself 5 bonus minutes to play with and find out.
Here are a few thought-starters for how different personalities might enjoy their bonus minutes.
The Early Bird Exerciser: For those energized by physical activity, you could use your bonus minutes to pop on your sneakers and hit the pavement or trail. Alternatively, roll out your yoga mat and flow through a few sun salutations to awaken your body and mind.
The Organized Go-Getter: If you thrive on productivity and planning, dedicate your extra time to creating a detailed to-do list for the day. Prioritize your tasks, break them down into manageable steps, and set realistic goals for yourself. This can help you feel more focused and in control as you start your day.
The Creative Soul: For those who find joy in artistic pursuits, use your bonus minutes to engage in a creative activity you love. This could be writing in a journal, sketching in a notebook, playing a musical instrument, or working on a craft project. Allowing yourself to express your creativity first thing in the morning can be a deeply fulfilling and inspiring way to start your day.
The Nature Lover: If you feel most at peace in the great outdoors, step outside and spend your extra time connecting with nature. Take a stroll around your neighborhood, tend to your garden, or simply sit on your porch and observe the birds and the sunrise. Immersing yourself in the beauty of the natural world can be a grounding and rejuvenating way to begin your day.
The Social Butterfly: For those who thrive on social connection, use your bonus minutes to reach out to a friend or family member. Send a thoughtful text message, make a quick phone call, or even plan a virtual coffee date. Starting your day with a meaningful conversation or a shared laugh can boost your mood and help you feel more connected to others.
The Self-Care Enthusiast: If you prioritize self-care and pampering, dedicate your extra time to a luxurious and nurturing morning ritual. This could be taking a long, warm bath with essential oils, applying a face mask, or massaging your pressure points. Taking time to care for yourself first thing in the morning can help you feel more centered, relaxed, and ready to face the day ahead.
The Lifelong Learner: For those who love to learn and grow, use your bonus minutes to read a chapter of an inspiring book, listen to an educational podcast, or watch a TED talk on a topic that interests you. Engaging your mind and expanding your knowledge first thing in the morning can be an invigorating and stimulating way to start your day.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to creating the perfect morning routine. Experiment with different activities and find what works best for you based on your unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
This year I’ve teamed up with my favorite coach, Jenai Fitzpatrick from Shift to Clarity, to create the Unstuck in 2024 Digital Planner, which is a keystone in the Unstuck in 2024 Monthly Subscription. Combining my Lil’ Habit methodology with Jenai’s executive functions expertise, each month’s planner can help you practice a new life skill and mindset shift, getting to know yourself better in the process.
In our March issue of UNSTUCK in 2024, we're offering you the gift of bonus minutes to spend as you wish. We've curated tips for waking well, gaining clarity about your priorities, and navigating seasonal challenges, along with daily prompts and tools to help you explore your morning routine. Want me to send you this issue for free? If you're a Lil’ Habit subscriber, comment below with your favorite sounds to wake up to, and I’ll email you our March issue.
If the idea of bonus minutes resonates with you, help make it stick by discussing it with a friend.
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Disclaimer: My Substack posts are my personal reflections and should not be taken as clinical guidance or treatment. Consult qualified experts regarding your specific health needs.
I love these suggestions so much - it really reframes how much of a bummer it is to lose an hour, and turns it into a positive. One of my favorite alarms to wake up to is called "Sunshower" (just standard on my Android phone) and it is a peaceful but cheerful sound of water and chirping birds. I love waking up to it.