I’ve written before about adapting to the local schedule of the place to which you travel. This can be a challenging aspect of travel. Especially if you are like me and enjoy the quietest time of day by waking up early throughout the week. Although it may make travel slightly more complicated, waking up early has several benefits and prepares one to adapt quickly to the challenges of time change. With that said, it creates several challenges for staying awake while you travel. I’ve always found it better to have a problem staying awake than falling asleep when on the road.
Waking up early has several benefits. Here are a few examples:
- Increased productivity: Waking up early allows you to start your day with a clear mind and have more time to complete tasks before the distractions of the day begin.
- Improved mood: The morning light helps regulate the production of melatonin and serotonin, which can improve mood and reduce the risk of depression.
- Better physical health: Morning exercise can help improve cardiovascular health and boost metabolism for the day.
- More time for personal activities: Waking up early allows for more time for personal activities such as reading, meditating, or pursuing hobbies before the demands of the day take over.
- Increased focus: The brain is typically more alert and focused in the morning, which can lead to better concentration and decision-making throughout the day.
- Better sleep: Going to bed earlier and waking up earlier can help regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up the next morning.
Phrase of the day: “おやすみなさい” (oyasuminasai). This phrase is commonly used before bedtime to wish someone a peaceful and restful sleep. It can be translated literally to “please have a good sleep”. Another similar phrase is “おやすみ” (oyasumi) which is a shortened version of “おやすみなさい” and also means “good night”.