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It’s time to give up this alarm feature for good, says ClassPass.
Tempted as you may be to sleep an extra 10–or ahem, 20–minutes, here's why one ClassPasser never (ever!) does.
There are many things in life I haven't done. I haven't bungee jumped. I've never been to a baseball game. I've never tried a corn dog. Or taken a Zumba class. To add to that list?
I've never used snooze. Seriously–not even once!
I know, I know, you must be thinking 'Wow, what a morning person.' But I haven't always been early to rise. I value my sleep, and I definitely feel better with more of it even though, nowadays, there's no question I don't get enough of it. (Thanks to a full-time job, daily workouts and trying to balance a social life, sleep often takes a hit.)
But no matter how late I stay out or stay up, snooze hasn't become part of my daily habit.
Why? Valid question. Sure–there's scientific research that says that snooze isn't actually good for you. It disrupts your sleep rhythm, and studies have shown that those who use snooze more regularly feel groggier. But for me, it not the scientific reasoning that's kept me to one alarm. It's been about the behavior that snooze is reinforcing.
It's more of the principle behind snoozing (or not, in my case). I firmly believe that how you wake up sets the tone for the day. Is it long, and drawn out and dreaded? Or does the sound of your alarm actually signal the start of a new, positive day? I don't know about you, but I'd rather just get-up and get-at-'em, while staying excited about what's ahead.
Here's why avoiding snooze works for me–and helps me make it to class:
1. It's about quality.
Not hitting snooze reminds me what I want to prioritize–quality vs. quantity. I want to stay deeply in sleep until the last possible second. Snoozing only compromises that because the second you give in to that temptation to sleep just five more minutes, you won't be in a healthy sleep for those moments. You'll feel agitated during that time and afterwards, sleepier than if you didn't hit snooze. Try going to sleep just five minutes earlier instead.
2. It forces me to plan.
I go to bed knowing exactly when I need to get up–down to the minute. Some days that 6:17 a.m. Other days that might be 7:05 a.m. Whatever the time, I'm forced to take a few minutes every evening and plan. When does my dog have to go out? What time is class? And where is it? How much should I eat before I head out the door?
The better I plan the night before, the more sleep I get. If I pack my bag and prep my clothes, I get an extra 10 minutes. Have I looked up my commute to class? By taking the right steps to be prepared means there's nothing standing in my way. Eliminating snooze reinforces my own good behavior. Every moment is considered and not a single minute is wasted.
3. It eliminates excuses.
You've heard it in class before, but it rings true for me–even at 6 a.m.: Set your intentions and set yourself up for success. Your mindset is so powerful. It's that same attitude that guarantees I won't be skipping class or bailing on plans with friends. No matter the time, the plan or the commitment at work, class or otherwise, excuses have no place in my day. The only things that get in your way are the things you let get in your way, which is why I don't let doubt enter my mind or take root in my morning.
4. It makes me commit.
I commit to my day from the moment I wake up and I'm all-in right from the start. I'm forced to make decisions and stick to them, and I apply that to my entire day. What are the things I want to get done and how am I going to do them?
Remind yourself why you're doing what you're doing: "I'm waking up at 7 a.m. so I can run to my favorite studio instead of taking the train there. I'll enjoy the view and the early morning air, and it'll start my day off on a happier foot." Whatever it is you're committing to, make it something you'll look forward to–I promise the very act of promising yourself makes getting up that much easier.
5. It reminds me to slow down sometimes.
Sticking to your commitments all week is hard and having a go-go-go morning plan can be intense. That's why on the weekends, I try to take one day and forego the alarm. I still plan for quality shuteye, but with no alarm and no snooze, I let my circadian rhythm (and sunlight of course), kickstart my day.
So, give it a go. Skip the snooze, commit to the day and keep your (shut)eye on the prize. (And I'll see you in 7 a.m. class!)
Originally written by Tatiana Kuzmowycz, ClassPass
Photo Credit: Hero Images / Getty Images
