As much as I aspire to be the person who wakes up bright-eyed, rejuvenated, and eager to tackle the day, that reality often eludes me. Mornings can be particularly challenging, especially when I’m grappling with mental health issues. On good days, when I have plans or feel mentally balanced, getting out of bed seems manageable. But on tougher mornings, I often feel as though my bed is a comforting prison. The thought of facing the day can be overwhelming, and the thought of leaving my warm cocoon of blankets is daunting.
To combat this, I’ve adopted what I refer to as the “one-hour approach.” The principle is straightforward: I must be out of bed within one hour of waking. For instance, if I wake up at 9 a.m., I set a mental deadline of 10 a.m. to get out of bed. My competitive nature kicks in, and I challenge myself to take action. I tell myself, “Just give it a shot. Get up and see how you feel. If it doesn’t work out, you can always return to bed.” And there are times when I do retreat, and that’s perfectly acceptable. The key is that I’ve made the effort to try. It’s about tasting the day; liking it isn’t a requirement, but participating is.
The act of getting up often sets off a chain reaction. Once I’m out of bed, I might as well take a shower, prepare breakfast, or even leave the house. While it’s not guaranteed that every day will follow this path, I have noticed that I consistently feel better when I make the attempt.
I encourage anyone facing similar struggles to give themselves one hour—60 minutes, or 3,600 seconds. The experience may be less than ideal; you could end up sitting on the floor or even resting on the landing. But at least you made an effort. You took a step, and that matters. It doesn’t go unnoticed, and there is inherent strength in those small victories.
There is a remarkable potential within those sixty minutes. You are fighting. You are still getting out of bed.
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Summary
The “one-hour approach” is a practical strategy for overcoming the mental hurdles of getting out of bed when struggling with mental health challenges. By committing to rising within an hour of waking, individuals can initiate a positive domino effect that encourages further actions, ultimately leading to a better day.