The debate between night owls and morning larks is a fascinating exploration of human behavior and biology.

Night people, often characterized by their vibrant energy and creativity that flourishes in the late hours, tend to feel more alert and productive as the world quiets down.

Conversely, morning individuals thrive in the early hours, finding joy and efficiency in the fresh start that dawn brings.

These contrasting lifestyles not only influence daily routines and productivity but also shape social interactions, work habits, and even health patterns.

“To me, every hour of the day and night is an unspeakably perfect miracle.”

Walt Whitman

Even though it is quite common for young individuals to gravitate towards a “night owl” lifestyle, I do not recall ever being particularly inclined to socializing late into the night.

During my time working at Target to finance my college education in my late teens, I did attend parties on weekends after closing hours and often found myself awake far too late. While the friendships I formed during that period were significant, I was never particularly enthusiastic about alcohol and had no interest in drugs.

My most cherished nighttime experience contrasts sharply with that typical collegiate life. My girlfriend, who is now my wife, and I were enrolled in an astronomy class together, which required us to photograph the moon. We equipped ourselves with our camera, the assignment details, and a selection of snacks and beverages before venturing into the cool night air. The serene beauty of that evening in the countryside remains vivid in my memory, nearly four decades later.

“Nations, like stars, are entitled to eclipse. All is well, provided the light returns and the eclipse does not become endless night. Dawn and resurrection are synonymous. The reappearance of the light is the same as the survival of the soul.”

Victor Hugo

WHERE DO I FALL?

For me, I tend to gravitate more to the productivity of morning. Some of my best ideas happen at that time. The end of the previous workday can come with my trying relentlessly to solve an issue or problem that seems impossible. After a good night’s sleep, I wake up, and it’s like the answer was there all the time, oftentimes in minutes. There’s something about the quiet of the morning that allows my mind to be clearer and more focused. The stillness of the world waking up around me provides a backdrop for creativity to flourish; ideas flow more freely without the distractions that often accompany the day.

Moreover, the morning routine I have cultivated— a couple of cups of coffee, a brief meditation session, and some light stretching— helps set the tone for a productive day. I find that when I take the time to gear up my mind and body, I enter a state of flow that allows for brainstorming and problem-solving that feels almost effortless.

Even when we have a visit from my sister-in-law and I introduce her to “Yellowstone” with (what I believe is) the 3rd year’s season finale, staying up with her until 3 am to keep watching it didn’t do me any favors the next morning. While it was enjoyable to dive deep into the plot and characters late into the night, the subsequent grogginess I felt the next day was a stark contrast to my usual morning clarity. Despite the late-night laughs and gripping storylines, I found it challenging to shake off the fatigue that can come from such spontaneous decisions. By the time morning rolled around, I wished I had prioritized rest, as the allure of binge-watching certainly came with a cost.

Nonetheless, these experiences serve as reminders of why my preference for early mornings has become so ingrained in my daily routine; the contrast between a late night spent engrossed in entertainment and a morning filled with clarity and focus is profound. Balancing social engagements and personal productivity can indeed be tricky, but I always find my way back to what fuels my creativity best.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

As we reflect on the unique rhythms of our lives, I invite you to share your own experiences with being a night owl or a morning person. What does your ideal schedule look like, and how does it impact your creativity and productivity? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below! If you enjoyed this exploration, don’t forget to share this post with others and subscribe for more insights and stories. Your thoughts and experiences are valuable, and I can’t wait to hear from you!