We’ve all been there. Everyone’s had that one 8 or 9 a.m. class she dreaded from the moment she started planning her schedule. It always ends up being a class you hate as well, some type of mandatory science class or the only section left of a discussion for a course you need to graduate. No one wants to be ripped away from the comfort of her bed and thrust into class bright and early. No one wants to relive the high school days of 6 a.m. wake-up calls.
There are lots of ways to look at morning classes like the birth of the apocalypse, the end of your sanity and a decent sleep schedule for the semester. Except it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s hard to think of positives when it comes to morning classes, but I’ve compiled a list of all the reasons having morning classes might actually be a good thing.
1. It forces you to get up and start your day
How many of us promise ourselves at the beginning of each semester that we’ll start waking up early to either get a head start on homework, to go workout, or to make a wholesome breakfast that’s Instagram worthy? All of us. And yet, when your phone rings at 6 a.m. and your first class isn’t until 11:15, all plans for working on a better you cease to exist in your sleep hazed brain. Snoozing for a few more minutes (or hours) seems much more appealing than going to Noyes or working on your study guide for Bio.
But if you have a class at 8:40 and you know attendance is mandatory, all of a sudden you HAVE to wake up. No more snooze for you – sorry!
2. Early morning quiet time
I’m sure you’re all hard working collegiettes, so having a fully booked planner and barely getting a breather is a normal day for you. But let’s face it, doesn’t everyone deserve a small break?
Of course we do! That’s another perk to the early bird routine. By waking up just a half-hour early, you give yourself some time in the morning to really check in with yourself. Check your phone, take a nice shower (baths are for weekends and holidays, let’s be real) and put on some make-up if that’s your thing. Whatever it is that makes you feel like yourself, own it and use this extra time in the morning to really embrace yourself. Also, who doesn’t like that nice walk to class where no one is asking you questions and you can enjoy the scenery?
3. Time for breakfast (or just decent coffee)
As I mentioned before, waking up for morning classes gives you some extra morning time. If you’re one of those people who usually misses breakfast (me), then an earlier start to your day will help! Extra time means you can actually enjoy your cereal, or if you want to get fancy and post on Instagram, whip out your avocado toast skills. Even if breakfast isn’t your strong suit, at least you’ll have time to brew some decent coffee and have more than one cup.
4. Feel more productive
Remember Isaac Newton’s Law of Inertia? An object in motion stays in motion? The same applies to us collegiettes; when you wake up early and start working hard, you continue this pattern throughout the day. All of a sudden, you’re in the zone and nothing, not even Netflix’s siren call, will lead you astray. Who doesn’t want to become slightly more productive with her time?
5. Leaves the afternoon open for fun stuff
Let’s face it, no one wants to work and study after a certain hour. Especially when all your friends are planning fun events and get-togethers. If you wake up early and get everything done in the morning and early afternoon, you have the rest of the day free to do whatever your heart desires! Now that sounds like a great deal.
No more choosing between Bio homework or eating out at CTB with your crush. Get those digits girl, you earned them!
6. Get to bed earlier
Every collegiette knows it’s important to take care of herself. Self-care is an especially important thing that most of us, whether we realize it or not, push aside when we get intensely busy. I mean with a job, 20 credits a semester, being part of three different clubs and volunteering, life can get hectic. So, in order to instill some balance between working hard and treating yo’ self, we need to make time.
With classes in the morning and finishing everything by the afternoon, you free up your night to not only have fun but also to take care of yourself. I know what you’re thinking: “Didn’t we do that in the morning?” The answer is yes, but you should never limit time for both mental and physical self-care. Take a break, play a nice soothing playlist, dance around a little if it makes you happy, put on a face mask, and get a goodnight’s rest. You’ve earned it.
7. Bragging rights
One of the most important things I’ve learned is one should always be humble, but feel free to occasionally remind your peers just how much work you got done before noon. While you’re being a busy bee, some are just waking up, so be proud that you’re accomplishing some things before people are even functioning properly. Who knows, you might even be an inspiration for someone to start doing the same!