I have been trying for years to figure out how stop hitting the snooze alarm. Some of the techniques I have tried are opening the blinds, drinking water, meditating, going to be earlier. The list goes on. I recently started keeping a book by my bed, and when the alarm goes off, I start reading. It has been suprisingly effective. Today, for example, I opened up Frankie Manning’s biography. I read a section about him working for the Post Office. After I opened the book, I didn’t worry about the snooze alarm.

Why this works is complicated. Or at least, it is difficult to describe. Essentially, when I wake up, emotions are always raw. Any anxiety or sadness I may feel rears its head, usually more intensely than any other time during the day. By reading, I am able to distract my mind from these thoughts. I can turn my mind away from myself, and towards someone else.