How I Became a Morning Person in Two Easy Steps

After over a month at Coco Vivo I’ve adapted to island living in some unexpected ways. One of the most significant is a complete 180 in my sleeping patterns. While living in Brooklyn I was a creature of the night. Here, I am out of bed every day at 6:30. And it wasn’t even hard.

Step One: Move to a Remote Island

No pharmaceuticals required, just a destination & a plane ticket.

We made the trip from Bocas del Toro to Isla Cristobal by boat at night. Waking up the next morning I was greeted by a panoramic view of the sun rising over palm trees with water glistening in the background.

That was all it took to motivate me to get out of bed.

Step Two: Go to Sleep When the Bugs Wake Up

A reason to wake up in the morning is only half of the equation. The other half is the willpower to go to sleep early. The bugs made that easy.

The Hill House had been unoccupied for some time when we arrived. A wide range of roaches, moths, june bugs & other creatures had gladly taken up residence. At night they came out in full force, competing for space in our light.

It was easier to just go to sleep. They would all be hidden away when I woke up in the morning. Out of sight & out of mind.

Though I’ve grown accustomed to the bugs by now (showering with a Blaberous Giganteous two feet away didn’t even phase me), I still go to bed between 9 & 10 every night. That makes waking up at 6:30 easy.