I have recently started waking up at six in the morning— every morning.

I know, some of you may be absolutely mind-blown at the fact that someone (particularly a college student) actively wakes up at six a.m. every morning by choice.

But my simple reason is, I enjoy it. And I have learned to listen to my body, and my body tells me that I am a morning person.

Every morning when I wake up, I drink a glass of water and splash my face with some cold water (and a side note: I’ve been trying to make it a point to smile at myself every morning, the first time I see myself in a mirror). And then over the course of the next few hours, I take time out to do some things that I enjoy.

I’ll take my dog out and if the weather is nice, go on a short walk with her.

I’ll read and journal for a little while.

I’ll stretch and maybe do a little bit of yoga.

I’ll make coffee and something for breakfast.

And I feel so much better since I’ve started this routine. It helps me get ready for the day and acts as a de-stresser.

I think it’s vital to our mental health for all of us to find and make time in our day to do things we enjoy for ourselves. For me, that time of day is sunrise—not only is it literally the only time I have to do so throughout the day, but I think there’s also something magical about watching the world come alive—and that’s why I do it.

This semester, I have barely had time for myself—I’m taking eighteen credit hours, I hold four on-campus jobs, and I got a puppy and a house. So the small amounts of free time that I do have, I am typically spending it either napping, going on Wal-Mart runs (because I have a habit of forgetting things, so I find myself going to Wal-Mart quite often), or working with and training my dog.

Obviously, I’m not the only one out there with a busy schedule—which is why I think it’s so important for busy people especially, to make time in their day to do small activities to keep them sane.

Waking up early has literally changed my life. I’m less stressed out because I take the time to really allow my body to wake up. I’m happier throughout the day, because I take the time to do things that make me happy (reading, journaling, etc). I’m less hungry, because I take the time to make (a small) breakfast.

If you’re unhappy with your life, or if you’re constantly stressed out (which I know you are, because finals week is right around the corner), then I’m telling you to make the change now. I promise you it will improve every aspect of your life. You just have to decide to wake up and actually do it—your mind, body, heart, and soul will thank you.

Natalee Reynolds is a sophomore English major. She can be reached at 581-2812 or nmreynolds@eiu.edu.