10 Benefits of Rising Early, and Why I Never Do It Anyway

The early bird gets the worm (allegedly) but let’s be real: who wants worms when there’s leftover pizza in the fridge from a productive midnight session? People often tout the magic of sunrise, the calm before the daily chaos, and the stillness of an untouched day. I, too, marvel at these – usually while coming home from a night out, right before crashing into bed. Here are the renowned benefits of waking up early and the real reasons I’d rather not.

1. Peace & Quiet: True, early mornings offer an unparalleled peace. The world’s asleep, and everything’s calm. But have you tried 3 am? It’s silent and you get to witness the rare sight of nocturnal animals (like me).
2. Jumpstart on Work: Early risers claim they get a head start on their to-do list. Well, by the time they’re starting, I’ve just wrapped up mine. Plus, there’s something magical about sending emails when the world’s on snooze mode.
3. Healthy Breakfast: They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But if you eat at 11 am, you can call it brunch and feel fancy.
4. Morning Exercise: Sun salutations at dawn? Adorable. But my 2 am interpretive dance to an 80s pop song is an equally valid cardiovascular activity.
5. Meditation & Reflection: Waking up early gives you time to meditate. But late nights? They give you deep philosophical thoughts, like why do we have pinky toes?
6. Better Sleep Rhythm: Sure, aligning with the sun’s pattern sounds healthy. But my body clock has its own charm. It’s like Greenwich Mean Time, but more… Greenwich Night Time?
7. Increased Productivity: They say there are fewer distractions in the morning. True, but have you ever felt the rush of trying to finish a task before sunrise?
8. Witnessing Sunrise: Yes, sunrises are beautiful. But so are sunsets, especially when you consider they’re just sunrises in rewind.
9. Fresh Air: The early morning air is undeniably fresh. But so is the late-night air, infused with a hint of mystery and the distant scent of midnight snacks.
10. Time for a Hobby: Early risers often find time for hobbies. But, late-nighters? We perfect the underrated art of silent snacking, tiptoeing, and contemplating the universe’s big questions (like, did I remember to set my out-of-office email?).

If you’re an early bird, hats off to you! But for us night owls, our twilight hours are just as golden. The world needs both kinds, just like coffee needs both morning drinkers and “it’s 3 pm but I need caffeine” enthusiasts. Stay true to your rhythm, and remember, any time’s a good time when creativity strikes. 🌙🦉🌟

Legends of the Late Night: Famous Night Owl Artists and Writers

Let’s give a nod to the legendary night owls of the arts. Because if there’s any industry that loves to burn the midnight oil, it’s the creatives.

1. Charles Bukowski: The notorious American poet and novelist often wrote about the grit and grind of urban life. And guess when he got most of that writing done? Yup, way past most people’s bedtime.
2. Franz Kafka: Kafka had a regular 9-to-5 insurance job, but his passion for writing had him burning the midnight oil. The bulk of his work was created during intense night sessions.
3. Vincent van Gogh: This brilliant painter once said, “I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.” And if Starry Night is anything to go by, he might’ve been onto something.
4. James Joyce: The Irishman behind Ulysses was known for his erratic writing habits. He’d often write well into the night, perhaps helping him craft those layered, dense passages.
5. Jimi Hendrix: Hendrix, the rock guitar god, often turned night into day. After all, some of the best rock ‘n’ roll happens under the cover of darkness.
6. Marcel Proust: A bona fide night owl, Proust wrote during the late-night and early morning hours, claiming that the twilight hours were the most peaceful and thus, the most conducive to his writing.
7. Bob Dylan: His endless tour and unique rhythm of life showed that Dylan was always up for late-night inspiration, crafting lyrics that have resonated through generations.
8. Pablo Picasso: The eminent artist once said, “It is your work in life that is the ultimate seduction.” Often, that work happened during the wee hours of the night.
9. Hunter S. Thompson: The father of Gonzo journalism, Thompson was notorious for his unconventional schedule. His day often started in the late afternoon and continued till sunrise.
10. William Faulkner: Faulkner often wrote from midnight to 4 am, then slept for a bit, only to start his day job at 6 am. He once said, “The only thing worth writing about is the human heart in conflict with itself.” And for him, that conflict peaked at night.

So, for all you night owls out there, remember, you’re in esteemed company. The night has its own kind of magic, a silent muse that’s inspired some of the world’s most iconic masterpieces. Whatever your hour, harness its power and let the creativity flow.

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Derek Murphy

I’m a philosophy dropout with a PhD in Literature. I covet a cabin full of cats, where I can write fantasy novels to pay for my cake addiction. Sometimes I live in castles.