Waking Up Early

Waking up early is a habit that is generally followed by many people in various parts of the world. However, what is it like to wake up early in a country where there is summer and winter? Now, let's explore the differences between waking up early in two countries with different seasons: Thailand, which has only two seasons namely the dry season and the rainy season, and Norway, which experiences four seasons including summer and winter.

In Thailand, waking up early in the dry season and rainy season are not drastically different in terms of weather, although there may be differences in temperature and humidity. In the morning during the dry season, the weather tends to be dry with clear skies, temperatures range between 24-28°C, which makes the morning feel fresh and pleasant to start activities. On the other hand, in the rainy season, the morning can start with cooler and more humid air, around 22-26°C, with the possibility of drizzle or heavy rain affecting the morning atmosphere.

In Norway, the seasons have a much greater impact on the experience of waking up early. In summer, especially in high latitudes like Tromsø, the sun never really sets for several weeks. This phenomenon is known as the "Midnight Sun." Waking up early in the summer in Norway can feel amazing with the sun shining into the room even from early in the morning, with morning temperatures around 10-15°C in coastal areas. This cool temperature provides enthusiasm to start the day with outdoor activities, such as walking or exercising.

On the other hand, winter in Norway can be very challenging. In winter, especially in December and January, the northern regions of Norway experience the "Polar Night," where the sun does not appear at all for several weeks. Waking up early in the winter can be a very different experience. The mornings are dark and cold, with temperatures reaching -15°C to -30°C in some areas. This cold and dark atmosphere often makes it more difficult for a person to get out of bed and start the day.

Weather and climate affect a person's physical and mental condition, which ultimately impacts health and productivity. In Thailand, because the temperature swings between the dry and wet seasons are less extreme, people tend to have a more consistent circadian rhythm throughout the year. This helps them remain productive all year round, without having to adapt to extreme weather changes.

However, in Norway, winter can pose significant challenges to health and productivity. Lack of sunlight during the winter can cause mood disorders, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can reduce productivity and quality of life. Waking up in the middle of darkness and extreme cold can also make people feel sluggish and lack energy. Therefore, many people in Norway use light therapy lamps to simulate sunlight and maintain their circadian rhythm.

On the other hand, long summers with abundant sunshine can increase morale and productivity. People in Norway tend to take advantage of the sunny summer time to do lots of outdoor activities, which are not only good for physical health but also mental health. Waking up early in the summer provides a positive energy boost, which helps increase productivity throughout the day.

The habit and culture of getting up early is also influenced by climate and season. In Thailand, waking up early is generally considered a good habit and is valued in the culture. Many Thai people wake up early to perform morning prayers, jog, or start daily activities early before the sun hits. The morning atmosphere in Thailand is often accompanied by the sound of the dawn call to prayer and busy traditional markets which start operating early in the morning.

In Norway, the habit of getting up early can be greatly influenced by the season. In the summer, getting up early may be easier because the sun is high in the sky even at 4 or 5 in the morning. The Norwegian culture of liking outdoor activities means they often take advantage of sunny mornings for walking, cycling or gardening.

On the other hand, in winter, the culture of getting up early can change to be more flexible. Many people may prefer to sleep longer because the mornings are dark and cold. However, in Norway, the importance of waking up early is maintained in various ways, such as the adoption of a more structured morning routine and the use of technology, such as alarms with lights that slowly turn on to simulate sunrise.

Waking up early in a country with different seasons also requires different preparations and adjustments. In Thailand, preparations for getting up in the morning may be simpler, such as preparing work or sports clothes, and planning morning activities. Relatively stable weather conditions mean that preparing to get up in the morning does not require much adaptation.

In Norway, preparing to wake up early can be much more complex, especially in winter. People need to prepare for extremely cold temperatures by wearing layers, warming up their vehicles, or even clearing snow covering roads and their vehicles. Mental preparation is also needed, because waking up in the dark and cold in the morning requires extra motivation.

Technology also plays an important role in helping people wake up early, especially in countries with different seasons. In Norway, the use of light therapy lamps, sunlight-simulating alarms, and automatic temperature control are an important part of the morning routine during the winter. This technology helps create a more natural morning atmosphere and supports circadian rhythms, even if environmental conditions do not support it.

In Thailand, technology such as air conditioners and fans are more often used to deal with hot and humid mornings. Additionally, apps for meditation and morning exercise are also popular among busy urbanites, helping them to stay productive and healthy.

Waking up in a country with different seasons offers a unique and challenging experience. In Thailand, the relatively stable seasons make early rising habits more consistent throughout the year, with little variation in weather and temperature. In contrast, in Norway, extreme seasonal differences influence not only early waking habits, but also health, productivity and overall culture.

Through adaptation, technology, and a better understanding of circadian rhythms, people in both countries can overcome different challenges and still maintain healthy and productive morning waking habits. In the end, despite different climates and seasons, the spirit of starting the day well remains a value that is appreciated wherever we are.