ALY MAC | Radio Show Host & Podcaster

I’ve been waking up before 4 AM for FIFTEEN YEARS. At this point, I think I’ve earned a PhD in ungodly early mornings.

And while I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this schedule to anyone who doesn’t HAVE to do it, I’ve figured out a few things that make it a whole lot easier.

1. NO TV IN THE BEDROOM.

GAME. CHANGER. My bedroom is for sleeping, not accidentally watching four episodes of something when I should’ve been asleep two hours ago.

2. Bedtime is NONNEGOTIABLE.

I’m in bed by 8 PM and asleep between 8:30 and 9. Even when it’s inconvenient. Even when everyone else is still out having fun. If I don’t protect my bedtime, tomorrow morning is gonna be rough.

3. Coffee is my reward, not my wake-up call.

I don’t drink coffee first thing in the morning. I wait until I get to work, and honestly? Having that little treat waiting for me makes getting out the door a little easier.

4. I shower in the morning.

I know the nighttime shower people are going to come for me, but the second that water hits me, my body and brain get the message that we’re OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

5. The dog goes out FIRST.

Two reasons: Nobody wants a 4 AM accident, and a few minutes of fresh air really helps wake me up.

BONUS: If the dog bolts out the door chasing a squirrel, skunk, or unidentified woodland creature, congratulations! You’re now operating on pure adrenaline. No coffee necessary. 🦨

Fifteen years later, I can still feel like a real human being with a full life waking up at 3:45am 🫶