Play in one team with your body, not against each other

A problem

As a beginner developer, I want to study fundamental computer science concepts, practice algorithms/data structures skills, complete side-projects, and of course, try out all new JS frameworks. In short, I need to take a step in the right direction every day. But it seems like there isn’t enough time on a typical day. I wake up, have breakfast, take a shower, get to work, and have a rest with my friends and family in the evening.

Wait, why I don’t have time in the morning? Oh, it’s because I usually hit a snooze button dozens of times and feel pretty sleepy, anyway. However, I already tweaked my sleeping schedule several times, but still to no avail.

A solution

So, isn’t there a better way to start a day to maximize productivity from the ground up? Turns out, there is.

Do not use an alarm clock at all.

As many of you know, the human body has a so-called biological clock. The clock governs a sleep-wake cycle but also affects mood and mental alertness. But an alarm clock disturbs the natural mechanism by forcing your body to wake up whether or not you got enough sleep.

As always, the dose makes the poison. If you set an alarm clock once a month, it’s not a big deal. However, its daily usage completely disorients your natural clock.

How to implement new knowledge in real life?

Developers have a lot of flexibility in working hours and it’s the ideal situation to achieve alarm-less life. First, warn colleagues about your experiment. Then forget about alarm clocks for a week, but follow the simple rule.

Stop kidding yourself.

When you nod off, go to bed. When you feel tired, go to bed. There is no workaround. So get used to it.

A result

I noticed positive results after a week of the new routine. I went to sleep in the gap between 10:30 and 11:30 PM, and my body waked me up around 6 AM.

I’ve been following the new routine for two months now and I’m eager to continue. I have enough time to study CS in the morning every day and have a rest after full-time work. It’s all because now we play in one team with my body, not against each other.