Ask HN: What do you do to jump start your brain in the morning?
131 comments
I don't jump start my brain. I drink a lot of coffee and feel grumpy. I have a toddler, so this happens every day. I've always hated getting up early in the morning, and nothing I've ever tried has made it better. Left to my own devices, I'll gravitate towards going to bed around 4am, and getting up at around 11. The times in my life where I've been able to do this for an extended period are when I've felt most rested and energetic.
I know this can sound like a sort of edgy teenager thing to say, but I just prefer the night. From about 9pm onwards, my mind is absolutely buzzing with energy. Most of my learning, throughout my whole life, has taken place at night. I feel like my brain doesn't work properly until at least lunchtime, so wherever I can, I arrange to do easy stuff in the morning. Responding to emails, any light admin, nothing that needs too much focus.
I know this can sound like a sort of edgy teenager thing to say, but I just prefer the night. From about 9pm onwards, my mind is absolutely buzzing with energy. Most of my learning, throughout my whole life, has taken place at night. I feel like my brain doesn't work properly until at least lunchtime, so wherever I can, I arrange to do easy stuff in the morning. Responding to emails, any light admin, nothing that needs too much focus.
This resonated so much with me. I've tried to force the issue many times - sleep patterns (early to bed; early to rise), diet, exercise, etc. but early morning will never be natural to me. My brain works best late at night and always will. It's partly lack of distraction, I'm sure, but I at night when it's dark outside I feel more content, more relaxed, which somewhat paradoxically allows me to work more efficiently/creatively.
I can't help but wonder if your experiences are in no small part due to (generally speaking) less distractions/interruptions? As in, people aren't awake to interrupt you (toddler life excluded)?
I consider myself a morning person however I find that unless I explicitly ignore messages/emails/etc. until some time block I schedule in, or practice Pomodoro, that nothing really ever feels like it gets done. I just feel "busy" at the end of the day which quite honestly, is not fulfilling. I'd much rather be productive than busy.
I consider myself a morning person however I find that unless I explicitly ignore messages/emails/etc. until some time block I schedule in, or practice Pomodoro, that nothing really ever feels like it gets done. I just feel "busy" at the end of the day which quite honestly, is not fulfilling. I'd much rather be productive than busy.
Most switched on I've ever felt was at university. Get up at midday, go for a run, do some CS classes in the afternoon, eat, code until 4am. Total flow-state from midnight to 4am.
Miss those times!
Miss those times!
I’m currently sleeping from 8pm to 4am to help out with a newborn baby.
I’ve found that the best thing I can do to consistently be ‘on’ right at 4 is to set my bedtime, not my awake time. I’m always in bed at 8 whether I think I’ll need 8 hours of sleep or not - this has allowed me to more consistently get something done right away outside of whenever the baby’s got me busy.
I’ve found that the best thing I can do to consistently be ‘on’ right at 4 is to set my bedtime, not my awake time. I’m always in bed at 8 whether I think I’ll need 8 hours of sleep or not - this has allowed me to more consistently get something done right away outside of whenever the baby’s got me busy.
This was the right answer for me. There does seem to be people who aren't morning people in any situation. Some people may just have to grow out of not being a morning person. Not everyone has the control over their schedule to do what's ideal for them (especially when you have kids.)
For everyone else, train your body to sleep and wake at the same times. I'm a bit out of whack right now, but my best routine was when I could barely keep my eyes open at XPM at night and wake up on my own at XAM in the morning. It was like clockwork. I could tell you what time it was by my internal clock. Also helpful was going to sleep AND waking up in the dark. Sunlight streaming into your sleeping area is also like an alarm clock.
Don't do things which will mess with your sleep. If you're going to drink alcohol, don't do it during the week. I stopped eating after 6. Disconnected from screens an hour before sleep time. I was also on a sort of keto diet (loads of veggies, small portions of organ meat and fish, fat from coconut oil.
I have never experienced such mental clarity than I did during this time. It seemed like a switch got flipped one day about 3 weeks into this routine. I had this persistent feeling like I had drank 2 cups of coffee, but without the weird jittery feeling.
For everyone else, train your body to sleep and wake at the same times. I'm a bit out of whack right now, but my best routine was when I could barely keep my eyes open at XPM at night and wake up on my own at XAM in the morning. It was like clockwork. I could tell you what time it was by my internal clock. Also helpful was going to sleep AND waking up in the dark. Sunlight streaming into your sleeping area is also like an alarm clock.
Don't do things which will mess with your sleep. If you're going to drink alcohol, don't do it during the week. I stopped eating after 6. Disconnected from screens an hour before sleep time. I was also on a sort of keto diet (loads of veggies, small portions of organ meat and fish, fat from coconut oil.
I have never experienced such mental clarity than I did during this time. It seemed like a switch got flipped one day about 3 weeks into this routine. I had this persistent feeling like I had drank 2 cups of coffee, but without the weird jittery feeling.
You make an interesting point that I hadn't thought of. I haven't had alcohol since I switched to this schedule (right after the holidays).
Plus, since I'm not eating after 8 and I still eat breakfast (with other kid) at 8, I'm in this sort of accidental intermittent fasting mode. I wonder how much that is contributing.
Plus, since I'm not eating after 8 and I still eat breakfast (with other kid) at 8, I'm in this sort of accidental intermittent fasting mode. I wonder how much that is contributing.
This was a game changer for me as well. Set my alarm to go to sleep, not to wake up (though i set that too in case i accidentally oversleep on an important day)
I find my body gets into a natural rythm. And 8 hours of solid sleep makes my mornings so much more productive.
I find my body gets into a natural rythm. And 8 hours of solid sleep makes my mornings so much more productive.
Stupidly, my iPhone sleep settings help with that. You choose your target sleep and then set an alarm. At alarm_time - sleeping_goal your phone goes into a dimmed state that doesn’t let messages come through, If sound is on it plays a little “go to sleep” chime.
I had to disable the go to sleep reminder after I went to bed unusually early and it woke me up to tell me to go to bed haha
Haha this happened to me too, but now I set it to sleep manually, also prevent messages from ruining my early bed plans.
Oh yeah the rest of the feature is great but man I was annoyed at 4am when I still couldn't get back to sleep
Love how customisable the notification settings are now, that's an Apple win
Love how customisable the notification settings are now, that's an Apple win
My S21 has something similar. It goes quiet at night and switches to black and white.
This worked well for me also. Main difference was that my shift with the baby was between 11pm and 7am and then I would go right to sleep.
I had my day split for 8 hours sleep, 8 hours work, 8 hours with the baby. This allowed both my wife and I to get 8 hours of sleep every day once my son was on formula.
I was sleeping better and my work was more focused, and the boy (and my marriage) is still alive and happy. It worked so well, that it took me months for my body to shift away from that schedule when we moved on to more "normal" hours.
I had my day split for 8 hours sleep, 8 hours work, 8 hours with the baby. This allowed both my wife and I to get 8 hours of sleep every day once my son was on formula.
I was sleeping better and my work was more focused, and the boy (and my marriage) is still alive and happy. It worked so well, that it took me months for my body to shift away from that schedule when we moved on to more "normal" hours.
Yeah - I've wanted to be more of a morning person for a while. Always envious of my friends that have no issues getting up at 5 or 5:30 to run or work out before sitting down to work. I am hoping that I can shift to something like that after the baby is sleeping a little better and keep the habit.
Yes and: I removed the curtains in my east facing bedroom. To better wake up with the dawn. Weirdly, once established, my self-wake time mostly carried over to winter.
I stretch on my back deck while listening to the birds chirping at first light and I feel like goddamn Cinderella. It's quite idyllic.
Hummingbirds literally zoom over to check me out. I did make a hummingbird feeder hat to wear during the pandemic though it's nowhere as cool as this dude's: https://cdn.trendhunterstatic.com/thumbs/double-feeder-hummi...
Then after yoga and a little meditation with the breath app from my apple watch I walk the dog, make a banana protein smoothie for breakfast and have a coffee while doing a few rounds of Duolingo. Then jump into morning calls.
Agree with Dr. Dshiv that having a full glass of water is great too!
Hummingbirds literally zoom over to check me out. I did make a hummingbird feeder hat to wear during the pandemic though it's nowhere as cool as this dude's: https://cdn.trendhunterstatic.com/thumbs/double-feeder-hummi...
Then after yoga and a little meditation with the breath app from my apple watch I walk the dog, make a banana protein smoothie for breakfast and have a coffee while doing a few rounds of Duolingo. Then jump into morning calls.
Agree with Dr. Dshiv that having a full glass of water is great too!
This is my favorite answer so far. This sounds like a heavenly way to start the day.
Morning is the most productive time for me.
I figured out a few factors that affect my performance in the morning:
- Schedule: I sleep 11pm to 7am every day, including weekends.
- Drink 2-3 glasses of water right after waking up.
- Have a clear plan for the first thing I should do in the morning.
About the latter one:
I think about solutions to the most challenging programming/architecture problem I had during the day while falling asleep in the evening. Then the first thing that pops up in my mind the moment I wake up is the ideas I had dozing off. I grab a cup of coffee and start working right away.
Been using this technique for years.
I figured out a few factors that affect my performance in the morning:
- Schedule: I sleep 11pm to 7am every day, including weekends.
- Drink 2-3 glasses of water right after waking up.
- Have a clear plan for the first thing I should do in the morning.
About the latter one:
I think about solutions to the most challenging programming/architecture problem I had during the day while falling asleep in the evening. Then the first thing that pops up in my mind the moment I wake up is the ideas I had dozing off. I grab a cup of coffee and start working right away.
Been using this technique for years.
For me two things consistently helped:
- Light to medium exercise in the morning. I try to hit the sweetspot where I come home from the gym tired, but not exhausted. A shower, breakfast and coffee jolt me back up and get me in the zone.
- Doing short mindfulness meditation immediately before work. It's nice on its own, but I think the real value is in creating negative space between pre-work chores and work.
- Light to medium exercise in the morning. I try to hit the sweetspot where I come home from the gym tired, but not exhausted. A shower, breakfast and coffee jolt me back up and get me in the zone.
- Doing short mindfulness meditation immediately before work. It's nice on its own, but I think the real value is in creating negative space between pre-work chores and work.
As a night owl myself, I don't try to be a morning person.
I just do the things that don't need strong focus for the first couple of hours. Clear out emails, etc. I'm lucky now that I can schedule my time mostly. In jobs where I didn't have a choice, I found mornings quite awful.
Night owls often have more sustained stamina once they get going. Morning people who are bright and perky when they get up, also crash and burn pretty fast. They're sprinters, night owls are marathon runners...
I just do the things that don't need strong focus for the first couple of hours. Clear out emails, etc. I'm lucky now that I can schedule my time mostly. In jobs where I didn't have a choice, I found mornings quite awful.
Night owls often have more sustained stamina once they get going. Morning people who are bright and perky when they get up, also crash and burn pretty fast. They're sprinters, night owls are marathon runners...
I agree that changing working hours is a good aproach.
For me it's Mondays - I never could get myself to work on Monday. I'd sit in front of my computer and procrastinate until it was time to go home. So I decided to no longer work on Mondays and start my work week on Tuesday. Much better.
For me it's Mondays - I never could get myself to work on Monday. I'd sit in front of my computer and procrastinate until it was time to go home. So I decided to no longer work on Mondays and start my work week on Tuesday. Much better.
Walk my dog. This morning was particularly nice https://imgur.com/a/g17folr
Herding/working breed?
Looks like part border collie, but can't really tell.
But I do know that my dog can happily go 1.5-2 hours, especially in cold weather. And trying to keep up with that will wake anyone up.
Looks like part border collie, but can't really tell.
But I do know that my dog can happily go 1.5-2 hours, especially in cold weather. And trying to keep up with that will wake anyone up.
Should be mostly a border collie. I'm never getting another breed again, this one is on another level compared to others, but requires a lot of work
Beautiful guy/girl.
Thank you! It's a girl, her name is Moxie
Well, I now have renewed faith in the future of the messaging app.
I'm now writing my MUST list each morning before I get out of bed. At least 2 things (w/ the task broken into sub tasks as needed), less than 5 things
The must list has things I need to do to avoid increased stress and hassle down the line. Todoist then has my SHOULD list which would add up to the ideal day
From there the day's mostly just a checklist that needs ticking off. Easy mode if I'm feeling a bit naff, ideal list if I'm in a productive mood. It might be that psychology of choice but so far it seems to motivate me enough to know there's an easier option available
As long as the handwritten list gets done I'll be less stressed the next day and find it easier to start tomorrow. Bonus: being a written list you can rip it up when done and release some tension if they were painful tasks :)
I'm not a morning person so I do boring repetitive tasks in the morning while waiting for coffee to kick in - data entry, customer tickets, adminwork, invoices - then switch to code and systems stuff after lunch
The must list has things I need to do to avoid increased stress and hassle down the line. Todoist then has my SHOULD list which would add up to the ideal day
From there the day's mostly just a checklist that needs ticking off. Easy mode if I'm feeling a bit naff, ideal list if I'm in a productive mood. It might be that psychology of choice but so far it seems to motivate me enough to know there's an easier option available
As long as the handwritten list gets done I'll be less stressed the next day and find it easier to start tomorrow. Bonus: being a written list you can rip it up when done and release some tension if they were painful tasks :)
I'm not a morning person so I do boring repetitive tasks in the morning while waiting for coffee to kick in - data entry, customer tickets, adminwork, invoices - then switch to code and systems stuff after lunch
Mornings became my most productive time after creating this schedule:
- Sleep 10pm to 4:30am every day
- Get out of bed within 10 seconds of the alarm going off (it only gets harder if I don't)
- Drink some water
- 2 mile run
- Drink a cup of coffee while reading something technical for 30 minutes (physical books)
- Work on side/hobby projects for 1 to 2 hours
Running makes me feel good, coffee gives me energy, reading something technical helps push me into the problem solving mindset, and side projects let me work on something I'm passionate about before transitioning to the soul crushing activity we all know as "work".
- Sleep 10pm to 4:30am every day
- Get out of bed within 10 seconds of the alarm going off (it only gets harder if I don't)
- Drink some water
- 2 mile run
- Drink a cup of coffee while reading something technical for 30 minutes (physical books)
- Work on side/hobby projects for 1 to 2 hours
Running makes me feel good, coffee gives me energy, reading something technical helps push me into the problem solving mindset, and side projects let me work on something I'm passionate about before transitioning to the soul crushing activity we all know as "work".
I'm currently experimenting with a Thermos (and it must be a Thermos, in my experience this is a brand worth paying the premium for) of tea/coffee by the bed, made just before sleeping.
The minimally cognitive task of sitting up, unscrewing and pouring from the flask is enough to blow away the cobwebs, and the instant reward is enough to encourage me to start.
It doesn't need to be a caffinated drink, but it does seem to make the motivation stronger.
The minimally cognitive task of sitting up, unscrewing and pouring from the flask is enough to blow away the cobwebs, and the instant reward is enough to encourage me to start.
It doesn't need to be a caffinated drink, but it does seem to make the motivation stronger.
Me too.
I have my alarm in another room next to the cup of tasty iced coffee so it doesn't even have to be warm.
I have my alarm in another room next to the cup of tasty iced coffee so it doesn't even have to be warm.
- Each evening I write a list of todos for the next day, so I know what I do the next morning and have something to wake up for
- I wake up ~1 hour before I start work to kick the day off with reading for pleasure/learning
- each morning I take gingko, multivitamin, omega3, modafinil, coffee, nootropic stack
- I try to get a solid ~7 hours of sleep to be fresh in the morning
If I manage to do all/most of the above, my mornings are great
If I manage to do all/most of the above, my mornings are great
> If I'm "lucky" something has gone wrong that needs my immediate attention
I'm in the same boat. I usually procrastinate until something comes up.
Maybe a way could be to leave stuff from previous day in unfinished state so there's motivation to start the day with it.
I'm in the same boat. I usually procrastinate until something comes up.
Maybe a way could be to leave stuff from previous day in unfinished state so there's motivation to start the day with it.
> Maybe a way could be to leave stuff from previous day in unfinished state so there's motivation to start the day with it.
I do this, although with an important caveat: the unfinished stuff has to be well documented or trivial so it's easy to jump in. The point is to accomplish something as quickly and easily as possible.
I do this, although with an important caveat: the unfinished stuff has to be well documented or trivial so it's easy to jump in. The point is to accomplish something as quickly and easily as possible.
I Fixed the underlying problem and not the symptom. Lack of good sleep caused lots of issues you mention and more as you age. I try and get good 8 hrs of sleep. As everyone has said routine helps. I will check my next day schedule to know I am prepared for next day. I would also consult sleep therapist.
You can find a way to use that to your advantage. I do "robotic" stuff when I am foggy. All that stuff that I would otherwise find super boring. Doing the dishes, cleaning up, doing repetitive tasks that has a low attention requirement is perfect.
> Doing the dishes, cleaning up, doing repetitive tasks that has a low attention requirement is perfect.
But I already finish up all these tasks during routine family phone calls to my mother and my mother in law. :P
But I already finish up all these tasks during routine family phone calls to my mother and my mother in law. :P
Most of the other comments boil down to:
- have something you really want to do after getting up
And I would agree with that sentiment.
For me what worked best are
- running in the morning. I really wanted to do it because I would hate myself if I didn’t follow my fitness regime. Not the best motivation from a psychological health stand point, but it worked.
- do my side projects, reading blog articles, watch coding YouTube and having breakfast at the same time for 1 hour before work every day (instead of late at night). This way I would really look forward to this time and get up early to maximize it. Also helped with going to bed earlier.
- have something you really want to do after getting up
And I would agree with that sentiment.
For me what worked best are
- running in the morning. I really wanted to do it because I would hate myself if I didn’t follow my fitness regime. Not the best motivation from a psychological health stand point, but it worked.
- do my side projects, reading blog articles, watch coding YouTube and having breakfast at the same time for 1 hour before work every day (instead of late at night). This way I would really look forward to this time and get up early to maximize it. Also helped with going to bed earlier.
To me this rather sounds like a problem of "getting started" than just being sleepy.
Before going through your usual morning routine, start and finish the smallest possible unit of work which still requires you to go through the motions. E.g. if you're a software engineer, find a super small improvement/task/bug, do the work, and open a PR.
After, allow yourself to do whatever you feel like. Might be that you will go back to your present routine, but there is a good chance that you'll be "warmed up" and ready for more work.
Before going through your usual morning routine, start and finish the smallest possible unit of work which still requires you to go through the motions. E.g. if you're a software engineer, find a super small improvement/task/bug, do the work, and open a PR.
After, allow yourself to do whatever you feel like. Might be that you will go back to your present routine, but there is a good chance that you'll be "warmed up" and ready for more work.
My problem wasn't so much about waking up, but what I did before going to bed; I would roll in bed for hours without getting any sleep, check my phone and think about everything.
I decided to leave my phone outside the bedroom and never taking it (no exceptions) and go to bed regularly at the same time, after a few days by body adapted and I'm having wonderful sleep again, to the point I can remember my dreams again.
All the numbness that I used to have in the mornings is gone, also I don't take any coffee or tea.
I decided to leave my phone outside the bedroom and never taking it (no exceptions) and go to bed regularly at the same time, after a few days by body adapted and I'm having wonderful sleep again, to the point I can remember my dreams again.
All the numbness that I used to have in the mornings is gone, also I don't take any coffee or tea.
I think the major impact is giving up on the "think of everything" part. Don't recapitulate the day in bed, don't plan for the next day in bed, don't do anything not bed-related in bed. It's no easy task but made the entire difference for me.
You are an inspiration. Lately I've taken to listening to a podcast on a sleep timer (it's not great but, it's better than not wanting to put down the information firehose - phone/computer - at all, it eases you into it).
I do amphetamines.
Specifically 40 mg Vyvanse at around 6:30. I used to be unable to work until around 11 am after two coffees and 4 cigarettes. The ADHD prescription completely changed that.
Maybe something to consider?
Specifically 40 mg Vyvanse at around 6:30. I used to be unable to work until around 11 am after two coffees and 4 cigarettes. The ADHD prescription completely changed that.
Maybe something to consider?
If you're consistently suffering from brain fog in the morning, you may want to consider getting a sleep study. Sleep apnea can be a real pain like that.
Since the start of the pandemic, my morning have become all about easing in to things. I wake up, read a bit, maybe dick around on duolingo, followed by some light exercise. Then breakfast and work. Before the pandemic, I would wake up, hit the shower, have breakfast on the way to work. The slower morning routine is definitely better for me.
Since the start of the pandemic, my morning have become all about easing in to things. I wake up, read a bit, maybe dick around on duolingo, followed by some light exercise. Then breakfast and work. Before the pandemic, I would wake up, hit the shower, have breakfast on the way to work. The slower morning routine is definitely better for me.
First thing I was going to say after reading their story was check they don't have sleep apnea. Take my upvote. :-)
Great advice. Sleep apnea is a silent killer. Many people go their whole lives feeling tired and not knowing what is wrong.
my Withings sleep pad diagnosed it for me. Apparently I'd been stopping breathing upwards of 80 times an hour. Still suffer from the long term damage. The CPAP plus weight loss did the job. Would like some jaw surgery but, well it's surgery.
15-minute cycle to the coffee shop and back forces oxygen in my brain. I also take a full-spectrum mushroom complex: Shiitake, Maitake, Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, & Reishi.
I open ibisPaint on my phone and draw a little bit. While I started this habit after getting a Moto g stylus, I quickly upgraded to a higher end Meko capacitive stylus for the task.
The difference between phone drawing and going over to a dedicated workstation or opening a sketchbook is in the immediacy and casual feel. You can be browsing social media feeds in an idle moment and see a picture you like, download it on the spot and open it to do a little study. ibisPaint is designed for mobile and does a good job of getting out of the way(unlike some of the downported desktop apps that have their UI crammed into a tiny screen). Because it's digital, you have some important comfort features(undo, rulers, layers) which make it less of a tribulation to iterate on your work - you can trace over your photo in a layer, and then go back and try stylizing it in a second layer, or test your ability to recall the image by hiding the original and then showing it again to check. These experiments are easy and have real value - they don't need as much "warm-up time" as a programming problem. And you get to build some art skills.
The difference between phone drawing and going over to a dedicated workstation or opening a sketchbook is in the immediacy and casual feel. You can be browsing social media feeds in an idle moment and see a picture you like, download it on the spot and open it to do a little study. ibisPaint is designed for mobile and does a good job of getting out of the way(unlike some of the downported desktop apps that have their UI crammed into a tiny screen). Because it's digital, you have some important comfort features(undo, rulers, layers) which make it less of a tribulation to iterate on your work - you can trace over your photo in a layer, and then go back and try stylizing it in a second layer, or test your ability to recall the image by hiding the original and then showing it again to check. These experiments are easy and have real value - they don't need as much "warm-up time" as a programming problem. And you get to build some art skills.
Wake up earlier and go to the gym. If you know you aren't productive when you wake up, it's best not to force it and do something else instead.
Plus when you wake up and work out first thing if you're naturally lazy and slothful like I am you can't make up an excuse later in the day to get out of it because you already did it on autopilot first thing while you were still half asleep and just waking up!
10 years ago I could get up at 6am, have a workout and get back by 7:30 ready to start the day.
These days I feel so groggy in the morning that there's just no chance. After 3 cups of coffee I might feel sort of okay and awake by 11am.
These days I feel so groggy in the morning that there's just no chance. After 3 cups of coffee I might feel sort of okay and awake by 11am.
Here is how to become a morning person:
1. Wake up ridiculous early. Let’s say 5am (not that ridiculous).
2. Force yourself out of bed with a purpose. If necessary provide external motivation by priming pets or children to demand things of you at this time, be somewhere such a morning run with a group.
3. After the priming event do not go back to bed. Instead get ready for the day by showering, getting dressed, eating breakfast. Personally I put these on hold as I am already thinking about writing, a software enhancement, or where I last left off on some new game.
4. Start your daily routine whether that is driving to work or logging in from a home office.
5. Become engaged in the priorities of the day.
The trick is to have purpose and remain constantly engaged with drugs like caffeine. You will get drowsy as mind fades from purpose into a relaxed steady state, but by that point you are well out of early morning. At that point you can have caffeine if you need it.
Remain engaged for the rest of the day. You will become tired by early evening unless you are the kind of person that needs very little sleep. I tend to get by on 4.5 to 5.5 hours myself.
The worst thing you can do in this process is consume alcohol.
1. Wake up ridiculous early. Let’s say 5am (not that ridiculous).
2. Force yourself out of bed with a purpose. If necessary provide external motivation by priming pets or children to demand things of you at this time, be somewhere such a morning run with a group.
3. After the priming event do not go back to bed. Instead get ready for the day by showering, getting dressed, eating breakfast. Personally I put these on hold as I am already thinking about writing, a software enhancement, or where I last left off on some new game.
4. Start your daily routine whether that is driving to work or logging in from a home office.
5. Become engaged in the priorities of the day.
The trick is to have purpose and remain constantly engaged with drugs like caffeine. You will get drowsy as mind fades from purpose into a relaxed steady state, but by that point you are well out of early morning. At that point you can have caffeine if you need it.
Remain engaged for the rest of the day. You will become tired by early evening unless you are the kind of person that needs very little sleep. I tend to get by on 4.5 to 5.5 hours myself.
The worst thing you can do in this process is consume alcohol.
Agree on the alcohol. I am currently wide awake at 1am unable to sleep because I had a “wind down” drink after a long 12 hour workday.
My insomnia tends to correlate with me drinking during the week.
My insomnia tends to correlate with me drinking during the week.
I meditate for 10 minutes and just write about the past day for 15 minutes / 700 words. Then, I finish writing with a loose todo list. I built myself an app to focus on writing instead of editing, and build a better writing habit: https://enso.sonnet.io.
I suck at sticking to routine, but this has worked out pretty well so far.
I suck at sticking to routine, but this has worked out pretty well so far.
I like the idea of writing in the morning, I may try it out. Thanks for sharing.
3:00 p.m. rise
3:05 Chivas Regal with the morning papers, Dunhills
3:45 cocaine3:50 another glass of Chivas, Dunhill
4:05 first cup of coffee, Dunhill
4:15 cocaine
4:16 orange juice, Dunhill
4:30 cocaine
4:54 cocaine
5:05 cocaine
5:11 coffee, Dunhills
5:30 more ice in the Chivas
5:45 cocaine, etc., etc.
6:00 grass to take the edge off the day
... etc ...
Protein (meat for me) will keep you alert. So when I go to sleep really late, I make sure that I postpone it even further, take my breakfast with meat, go to sleep. This will make me more alert, earlier in the morning, so my sleep pattern gets a reset (you need to sleep early to wake up early but how do you sleep early if you are not tired? my solution is to postpone going to sleep as much as possible but eat protein just before).
Another thing to consider are carbohydrates as in potatoes for me. If you read too much "eat vegetables, eat protein" articles it may be that you do not eat enough carbohydrates. No carbs, no energy. For instance eating just a salad, means no carbs for you at that meal but also vegetables will kill your appetite for your next meal. Best is to eat vegs and carbs.
Also protein takes a lot of energy to digest, less energy for you.
Carbs = energy, no brain fog
Protein = slow to digest -> slow transit -> less energy absorbed in the guts -> more brain fog
Vegs = less energy, more brain fog
Another thing to consider are carbohydrates as in potatoes for me. If you read too much "eat vegetables, eat protein" articles it may be that you do not eat enough carbohydrates. No carbs, no energy. For instance eating just a salad, means no carbs for you at that meal but also vegetables will kill your appetite for your next meal. Best is to eat vegs and carbs.
Also protein takes a lot of energy to digest, less energy for you.
Carbs = energy, no brain fog
Protein = slow to digest -> slow transit -> less energy absorbed in the guts -> more brain fog
Vegs = less energy, more brain fog
Masterbate + drink strong coffee.
At the same time? Be careful of burns.
I'm surprised this or sex aren't the top answers. Our testosterone is highest in the morning.
Applicability of those methods depends hugely of external conditions.
I have two young kids, one is in the early toddler years so we get plenty of early wake ups and other night disruptions
When I wake up, my brain is immediately on — feels like a light bulb.
I think this is partially because my life is otherwise not very stimulating (due to COVID and dead-of-winter) but also because I go to bed early.
Every night asleep between 10-1030. Wake up around 530. Last meal was at 6pm (and no snacks after). No caffeine so my default is the same state I enjoy all day.
Morning run after I drop the older kid off at school, sometimes defer to lunch (depends on how icy it is outside). This is every week day. Settle down for work shortly after that. Work through most of the day, breaking up as I need. Sometimes will catch up in the evening after kids are in bed but I try not to as it can lead to burnout
I feel I get sufficient rest while giving decent inputs to my brain, so it doesn’t have that morning grog.
When I wake up, my brain is immediately on — feels like a light bulb.
I think this is partially because my life is otherwise not very stimulating (due to COVID and dead-of-winter) but also because I go to bed early.
Every night asleep between 10-1030. Wake up around 530. Last meal was at 6pm (and no snacks after). No caffeine so my default is the same state I enjoy all day.
Morning run after I drop the older kid off at school, sometimes defer to lunch (depends on how icy it is outside). This is every week day. Settle down for work shortly after that. Work through most of the day, breaking up as I need. Sometimes will catch up in the evening after kids are in bed but I try not to as it can lead to burnout
I feel I get sufficient rest while giving decent inputs to my brain, so it doesn’t have that morning grog.
> When I wake up, my brain is immediately on
Isn’t that biological ? I’m not a morning person and I do generally have a hard time to get up… except if it’s my 4yo calling from its bedroom. When it happens, I feel like i’m waked by an instant shoot of adrenaline.
Isn’t that biological ? I’m not a morning person and I do generally have a hard time to get up… except if it’s my 4yo calling from its bedroom. When it happens, I feel like i’m waked by an instant shoot of adrenaline.
I lift weight in the morning (1h routine) then I take a shower and rest for 30 to 60 minutes. I usually feel my body tired, almost exhausted. But, my brain feels relaxed, light, clean (not sure how to explain it). I have no idea why it happens this way but it's been working for years.
If you feel this is a problem for you, and you haven't already, it's worth checking with a doctor for blood tests. I felt similarly in the mornings and being diagnosed + treated for an underactive thyroid was a huge improvement
That feels like a case of “Never HN Your Symptoms”
I try to force myself into a good mood. I fill my brain with good happy things even if I’m grumpy. I’m not a morning person so unless I do this I attack the day with the wrong attitude.
When I drive to work I like to look up at the sky and the trees when I can and appreciate the beauty of it all.
Let me say again that I force myself to do this. I’m not perfect at it, but I notice that the days I’m more negative I just don’t want to do anything work related.
Other than that I try to have a morning ritual. I have some Mates with cookies which makes me do a bathroom stop before leaving and I try to just accept the day after that.
Let me say again that I force myself to do this. I’m not perfect at it, but I notice that the days I’m more negative I just don’t want to do anything work related.
Other than that I try to have a morning ritual. I have some Mates with cookies which makes me do a bathroom stop before leaving and I try to just accept the day after that.
Copious amounts of caffeine.. A 500 ml energy drink in the car to work, then drop by the shop to get three scones and a pink donut, and another 500 ml energy drink, those I consume at work, with a cup of the strongest coffee our machine can do (double shot+) come lunchtime I'm bouncing off the walls. After lunch and a walk, I'll be productive.
The viciousness starts at 6.
I make some half-hearted attempt to hit bed before 23, but I will give up and steal some time for myself, and so bed is more likely at 0 or 1, and takes about 30 minutes of podcast before I doze off, and then the viciousness starts again.
The viciousness starts at 6.
I make some half-hearted attempt to hit bed before 23, but I will give up and steal some time for myself, and so bed is more likely at 0 or 1, and takes about 30 minutes of podcast before I doze off, and then the viciousness starts again.
Getting a dog was a game changer for me.
I have to get up, no matter what. Rain, snow, hail, thunderstorm. The dog needs a walk. Walk 3 miles every morning without staring at your phone. (Pooch needs to play fetch.) Actually be present.
If coffee is your thing, don't drink Starbucks or other chain junk. The buzz you get from nice, high-quality beans is so much more gentle than the hyper-caffeinated over extracted coffee shop junk. It doesn't have to be espresso either. A nice V60 filter costs <£10 and a bag of speciality beans can cost the same and last a couple of weeks.
I have to get up, no matter what. Rain, snow, hail, thunderstorm. The dog needs a walk. Walk 3 miles every morning without staring at your phone. (Pooch needs to play fetch.) Actually be present.
If coffee is your thing, don't drink Starbucks or other chain junk. The buzz you get from nice, high-quality beans is so much more gentle than the hyper-caffeinated over extracted coffee shop junk. It doesn't have to be espresso either. A nice V60 filter costs <£10 and a bag of speciality beans can cost the same and last a couple of weeks.
I've just started doing a NYT crossword puzzle. Seems like just the right amount of challenge, involves some lateral thinking, has a neatly defined end, and only takes about 20 minutes.
I do the daily mini crossword on the Times crossword app with my morning coffee. I try beat it in under a minute (21 seconds is my personal record). It's not particularly challenging, but I treat it like morning stretches for the mind, it definitely helps get the brain warmed up.
The only way I've found to exit my morning daze is to take a walk outside that's at least 30 minutes. A bike ride also works, but that's more dependent on the weather.
Well, sometimes I start my morning with a 30 minutes high intensity training followed with cold shower. This really kicks me in the day.
Or, sometimes, I make some tea (don't drink coffee) and I play something for 30 min, like on PS or World of Tanks, Warships, anything that will get my concentration and blood higher than usual.
I am also not a morning person, my productivity is at peak from 14:00 - 19:00, not from 08:00 - 13:00. :)
Or, sometimes, I make some tea (don't drink coffee) and I play something for 30 min, like on PS or World of Tanks, Warships, anything that will get my concentration and blood higher than usual.
I am also not a morning person, my productivity is at peak from 14:00 - 19:00, not from 08:00 - 13:00. :)
20+ min of medium/high heart rate (bicycle commute, or morning jog).
For the dark scandinavian mornings, I sometimes use 5 min in front of a cheap therapy lamp.
For the dark scandinavian mornings, I sometimes use 5 min in front of a cheap therapy lamp.
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S-T-R-E-T-C-H. Lay down on a carpeted floor and move.
First whatever feels good. Then on my back for side-to-side head rolls, arms over head, legs lifts, sit-ups, bridges. Then side planks, and finally on stomach for push-ups, planks and some yoga positions. Every day is different.
I think the resulting brain/cell oxygenation from rhythmic slow deep breathing is why it works.
First whatever feels good. Then on my back for side-to-side head rolls, arms over head, legs lifts, sit-ups, bridges. Then side planks, and finally on stomach for push-ups, planks and some yoga positions. Every day is different.
I think the resulting brain/cell oxygenation from rhythmic slow deep breathing is why it works.
Go for a 2 mile run every morning. The mornings I don't do this I'm a zombie especially if I haven't slept well.
A long while ago, I used yoga in my morning routine to help set me up. Although Yoga/mindfulness is still part of my routine, I find that being pumped about what I am working on and continuing to find newer challenges and problems to solve goes a long way!
An app/a bunch of apps to engage you in the morning might be what you need.
An app/a bunch of apps to engage you in the morning might be what you need.
Exercise Sun salutation several times. Then cold shower. Meditation, if there is time. Really gets your energies flowing.
Like many commenters here, lifelong night owl, have two kids that have forced a schedule shift. For a while I found that getting up stupid early worked better than getting up sort of early. Wrote about it here:
https://baugues.com/430
I eat a fully raw breakfast made up mainly of tropical fruit with green leaves (romaine lettuce and some herbs like mint/cilantro/dill), ginger and dry spices (cinnemon, amla powder, pepper, cardamon).
This totally kicks my ass. No need for tea, coffee or other uppers... I stay satiated until lunch.
This totally kicks my ass. No need for tea, coffee or other uppers... I stay satiated until lunch.
I do a crossword (from the same site) over breakfast. Some days it's easy from the start, and I know I'm already firing on all cylinders. Other days it's a slow start, but by the end I've mentally limbered up.
I think Sudoku, Wordle, most mental puzzles, have a similar value.
I think Sudoku, Wordle, most mental puzzles, have a similar value.
As much as I loved coffee, I decreased to 1/2 or 1/4 of a cup, and this helps me keep a clearer head to look at my day.
I end up planning my day at the end of the previous day and finding "primer" tasks I need to do, just default to those early.
I wake up around 2 hours before I start working. (Wake-up time is usually 4, I start work at 6). During that time I have my can of coffee, browse, maybe play a game (a few turns of Civ V, Slay the Spire, or Monster Train), catch up on the night’s RSS feeds.
How about solving a sudoku? E.g. https://www.nytimes.com/puzzles/sudoku - choose the level so it takes you less than 10 minutes.
Try to have a routine. I try to wake up, have a large glass of water, put on some energizing music and exercise for 2-3 songs, then try to get a quick easy task completed as soon as possible to get the ball rolling.
I do a set of exercises from the book You are your own gym. They also have an app and it's easy to follow.
My brain feels amazing after them. The trick is having the motivation to do them. I guess any type of exercise will do.
My brain feels amazing after them. The trick is having the motivation to do them. I guess any type of exercise will do.
I repeat the following sequence every day no matter what and feel fantastic afterward.
1. drink ~500 milliliters of water immediately after waking up
2. 10 minutes on the vibration plate
3. basic stretching
4. contrast shower
5. 30 minutes seating meditation round 1
6. 10 minutes walking meditation
7. 30 minutes seating meditation round 2
8. breakfast
1. drink ~500 milliliters of water immediately after waking up
2. 10 minutes on the vibration plate
3. basic stretching
4. contrast shower
5. 30 minutes seating meditation round 1
6. 10 minutes walking meditation
7. 30 minutes seating meditation round 2
8. breakfast
10-30mg Dextroamphetamine instant-release, then I go back to bed for an hour.
Lately I'm trying to learn Russian and I've found that practicing with Duolingo in the morning is better than angrily scrolling the news.
Even a couple of exercises warm up my brain a lot more than random browsing.
Even a couple of exercises warm up my brain a lot more than random browsing.
If I can just drink a full glass of water, I find I have the energy to jump start other habits. Trick is to have water setup from night before (eg, like a Brita pitcher) or a nice glass by sink.
Going for a morning walk is always a good start to the day. I usually take a thermos of green tea and headphones with me. 30mins does wonders, especially if it’s a nice day
I usually run a mythic+ dungeon in world of warcraft (as a tank for those who play), and make a slow coffee. It's relaxing and stress inducing in all the right ways.
I always do a quick jog to help my body maintain condition.
I’ve found that reading something intellectually challenging helps kick my brain into gear. An academic paper, philosophy article, technical manual, etc.
Instead of thinking of waking up your brain, think of waking your body. Have you tried a SAD light? They’re great for regulating waking rhythms.
I play Rocket League for about 3 games/ ~20 mins. Or really any stimulating game for a little bit, while getting the coffee in.
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Drink coffee and read HN -- following the interesting links and discussions are usually adrenaline enough.
Sometimes I just start working, other times I need a cup of green tea.
I find that regular exercise help a lot in general.
I find that regular exercise help a lot in general.
Have your child ask you why the sky is blue or whatever other thing happens to pop into their head.
I write a novel for ninety minutes.
Take my Vyvanse, go back to sleep for an hour, wake up almost already in code mode...
I make my kid breakfast and lunch and bike to school with him - 4km there and back.
What helped me the most was cutting out coffee. I now wake up ready to go.
I just go for a walk after I wake up even before having my breakfast.
Go run on the elliptical… this plus coffee has been my saving grace.
Solve the Wordle.
As soon as the first cup of tea kicks in
Cold shower. A pot of green tea.
A cup of coffee and a book.
Martial arts/Exercise
Sleep well.
Ha ha ha…
Somebody has yet to learn that amphetamine is the powerhouse of the cell
Also make sure you don’t have sleep apnea. But still, amphetamine(s)
Somebody has yet to learn that amphetamine is the powerhouse of the cell
Also make sure you don’t have sleep apnea. But still, amphetamine(s)
Mornings are by far the most challenging time for me to be productive. I sit at my desk fighting through my brain fog trying to find something I can focus on.
If I'm "lucky" something has gone wrong that needs my immediate attention [1], the small kick of adrenaline is usually enough to get my brain to wake up and I can continue being productive. By this I mean, solve problems, implement solutions, do the non-routine part of my job that I enjoy.
But having stuff break is not a sustainable method of waking up. If everything runs smoothly it can take an hour or two before the fogs clear. Even walking the dogs in the Scandinavian winter wakes me up sufficiently. I do of course use this time in some manners, read HN/reddit/blogs, write emails, meetings.. But I don't do any "real work", at least it feels that way.
So finally my to question
What do you do to jump start your brain in the morning?
[1] Bosses boss-boss decided that 24/7 oncall is too expensive so 8-17 it is.