Today is the longest day of the year and the meteorological beginning of summer. Even though, beginning tomorrow we’ll have a bit less light each day, the days will still be very long through August. (We’ll have more light than darkness through mid-September.)

That means I’m moving to my summer schedule. What’s my summer schedule, you ask?

I start moving my wakeup time a bit earlier every few days. I usually try to wake up between 6:30 and 6:45. Now, I’m back to between 6:00 and 6:15. My ultimate goal is to wake up between 5:30 and 5:45. (Because sleep is important, I try to be in bed by 10.)

Why wake up earlier? First, it gives me extra time in the morning to do my chores so that I have time in the evening to go out for drinks with friends or to lie in my hammock and read. Second, I can get some outdoor exercise in before the heat and humidity become unbearable. Third, I get to enjoy more of each day’s light. Basically, I’m awake when the sun is. Finally, I get things accomplished before I’m exhausted and worn out from the heat.

It’s a win for me.