As much as I admire those who leap out of bed each morning, bursting with energy and enthusiasm, that’s simply not my reality. I’m not naturally inclined to embrace the morning. On brighter days, when I have plans to look forward to or my mindset is more positive, getting up is often less of a struggle. Nevertheless, on the challenging mornings, my bed feels like a prison, keeping me ensnared in its warmth. The thought of facing the day is daunting; I long to stay nestled in the comforting embrace of my blankets.
Yet, I have discovered a technique that aids me during these moments, which I refer to as the “one-hour strategy.”
The One-Hour Strategy Explained
This rule is straightforward: I must be out of bed within one hour of waking up. If I glance at the clock and see it’s 9 a.m., I know I need to be up by 10 a.m. My competitive nature, even if just against my own mind, can be a motivating factor.
I tell myself: “Just give it a shot. Get out of bed.” If after an hour I still feel worse, returning to bed is an option. And sometimes I do, and that’s perfectly acceptable. However, I make the effort to try—just to experience the day ahead. I don’t have to enjoy it; I merely have to engage with it.
The Importance of Rising
The key is to rise. I need to be active, moving, or creating. This simple act can trigger a ripple effect. Once I’m up, I might as well take a shower, prepare some breakfast, and who knows, I might even end up stepping outside today.
While I cannot guarantee this approach always results in productivity, I consistently find that I feel better for having attempted it. I urge you to give yourself one hour—60 minutes, or 3,600 seconds.
It might be a struggle, and you could find yourself sitting on the floor or even just at the landing; you may even end up on the shower floor. But at least you made an effort. You got up and granted today an opportunity. You did your utmost, and that deserves recognition. The impact of small steps is profound, and within those sixty minutes, you can achieve a lot. Remember, you are fighting and you still managed to rise from your bed.
Additional Resources
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Summary
The “one-hour strategy” is a helpful technique for managing mornings when mental health challenges make it hard to get out of bed. By committing to get up within an hour of waking, even on tough days, individuals can foster small achievements that help improve their mood and set a positive tone for the day.