My alarm clock has been broken for a while (long story, including a power outage in the neighborhood and a roommate cryptically whispering ‘apocalypse’ before leaving the building). So I felt this was the perfect timing for a new attempt to experiment with a way of getting out of bed (remember this attempt?). I read a really interesting article on this guy who ‘Pavlov-trained’ himself into a habit of directly getting out of bed when the alarm clock goes off. ‘Perfect’, I thought, so I bought a new alarm clock with a big bell (this isn’t necessary but just felt like an appropriate tribute to Mr. Pavlov; isn’t it a cute one?) and tried the same.
Basically he says that you shouldn’t make waking up a conscious decision (then your 7AM self starts arguing and bargaining about sleeping another 10 more minutes). Rather, it should become a subconscious habit. He proposes you envision how you want to get up and practice this during the day, when you are wide awake. Lay in bed and repeat everything you want to be doing from the moment the alarm clock goes off a number of times until it becomes part of your subconscious.
I have to admit that I was too lazy to repeat the whole process many times, and I think it might be more about teaching yourself a new habit than it is about subconsciousness. However; I have been getting directly out of bed ever since. I believe that can be labeled as progress.
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13 Comments
Alyx
March 2, 2012 at 22:18
Seriously?!?! It’s working? I feel like this is something I HAVE to try!
Magical Day Dream
March 3, 2012 at 10:28
You should! I am terrible in the morning but at least I have been getting directly out of bed now for more than a week.
Beckie
March 2, 2012 at 23:32
How interesting! I would try this if I needed it. My mind wakes me up–usually before my alarm goes off. And actually I never need an alarm anymore, but I still wake up between 7:30 and 8:30. That used to be soo difficult for me when I was in school. But now I go to bed early so I can wake up early and all is well : ]
Magical Day Dream
March 3, 2012 at 10:29
Wow that’s amazing, I wish my body did the same ;) I absolutely need an alarm clock haha
Mariana
March 3, 2012 at 08:04
Oh… I’m a hard case… :/
But, maybe I should try… ?
Congrats on the progress!! :)
Magical Day Dream
March 3, 2012 at 10:31
Well, I am a very hard case as well (which is why I tried). I do put my alarm clock on the other side of the room so I have to get out of bed, just to avoid the urge to turn around and sleep again (although in the past I have crawled back to bed afterwards as well).
shakti
March 3, 2012 at 15:51
wow. Sounds like it worked wonderfully for you :) Maybe I should give that a go.
Sarbear
March 3, 2012 at 16:24
Progress indeed. My life would be changed for the better if I could implement this habit.
ShyScout
March 3, 2012 at 20:13
That clock is adorable! And that does sound like progress. I hit the snooze way too often. I used to have this horrid alarm clock with an awful beeping noise. Every time I hear it on a commercial or something my whole body shudders :[
Magical Day Dream
March 5, 2012 at 08:26
I know! I am also growing a bit terrified of the sound of my alarm clock.. Everything comes with sacrifices! ;)
Connie
March 4, 2012 at 09:24
Hey thanks for visiting my blog & commenting! :)
I might need to try your way but it’s so hard for me to get up in the morning so it’s a bad habit of mine to be late most of the time! Guess I’m just too tired & need more sleep.
memory
March 4, 2012 at 18:50
My body is my alarm clock. It’s like it knows to wake up at 5 AM because it’s done it so many times.
Thanks for your comment on my “dear journal” post the other day. You are so right. Living in the now is very difficult to do, but I’m finding it’s the best way to live. Thanks for your wisdom!
SoUtHeRnPiNkY.bLoGsPoT.cOm
Magical Day Dream
March 5, 2012 at 08:28
Wow that’s pretty early! Your body does get used to regular times.. But somehow waking up just keeps being hard for me..