Exeter High School Student-Run Newspaper!
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Waking up early or going to bed late defines us more than you think. It can determine our mental state and ability to function throughout the day. Night owls are able to stay up late and finish the extra work, but early birds are able to get up early to start their day off fast. The real question is, which is it better to be: a night owl or an early bird?
More often than not, students at EHS are night owls. With loads of homework to maintain and tests to study for, students can be up till 1 a.m. because they work best at that time. It can be quieter and a more tranquil environment to work in. Many aspects of staying up late may be tempting, but being an early bird comes with more benefits.
According to rtor.org, night owls are more likely to report depression and anxiety. It can also cause social jet lag. Social jet lag is having two distinctly different sleep schedules on the weekdays and weekends. Having a consistent sleep schedule is better for your mind and body. Early birds are more likely to consistently go to bed early and wake up early, even on weekends. To further the argument, In Pursuit says, early birds tend to be healthier, more focused, and have more willpower and internal confidence—the majority of highly successful individuals are early birds! Switching to a lifestyle of waking up early could create better habits and would have increased benefits, whereas staying up late hurts both the body and mind.
I am an early bird at heart. I go to bed around 8-9 p.m. every night because I am more focused during the day to complete any assignments and homework. I wake up at 4:30 a.m. to work out and wake myself up more. The YMCA in Exeter offers classes at 5:15 in the morning from Monday-Thursday. After every class, I feel a lot happier and feel I am able to go to school smiling and feeling ready. I used to be a night owl, during the lockdown especially, but the schedule I hold now easily has changed my mental health and wellbeing for the better.