Five More Minutes, Mom!
Written By: Alaina Yan
Image from Pinterest; Popular meme representing grogginess of waking up early
In a world oriented around deadlines, alarms have become as important and normal as drinking water. Everybody has set an alarm, whether it be as a reminder to pick up the laundry or to wake up for an early start to the day. While the act of choosing a specific time and sound for an alarm seems simple and straightforward, there is nuance in this decision making, creating a wide variety of alarm-setters. This diversity parallels the heterogeneity of human nature as how somebody sets their alarm reflects their distinct personality and lifestyle. Although each individual’s alarm-setting habits are unique, we can group them into four categories: the Disney riser, 10-alarm soldier, one-alarm daredevil, and calculating mastermind.
The Disney Riser
I recall watching Disney’s hit TV show Liv and Maddie when I was seven years old. I watched in awe as Liv, one of the main characters, woke up from her sleep with a blinding smile and perfectly curled hair; she looked forward to the day and what it would bring.
Like any Disney depiction of somebody waking up, the Disney riser naturally rises from their bed as ethereal sunlight floods into the room. With a giddy smile, they stretch their arms up and enthusiastically peel away their covers. Just like Liv in her TV show, they get out of bed, believing the cup is always half-full, ready to take on the day and enjoy it to its fullest.
The 10-Alarm Soldier
In complete contrast with the Disney riser, the 10-alarm soldiers are the overworked students who get five hours of sleep every night. Their fingers slam on the fifth snooze button as they attempt to quell their urge to throw their phone across the room.
For them, sleeping is an escape from reality and responsibilities. Why wake up and think when they can go to bed and enjoy their dreamscape? After the fifth alarm, they finally roll out of bed with bloodshot eyes and a wish for the day to just be over. Their only motivation that drives them is the comforting idea of being able to sleep again when they finish their work.
One-alarm Daredevil
The daredevil is that classmate who would wake up at 8:15 in the morning and still manage to arrive at school exactly at 8:29 AM for class—not late, but not early. By only setting one alarm in the morning, they risk oversleeping and being late. Their precarious and “go with the flow” attitude stems from their desire to live a stress free life. Rather than strategize and fine tune the details, these daredevils trust themselves and their own abilities.
Calculating Mastermind
In contrast, the calculating mastermind is the player in the game that over strategies and focuses on every small detail to win. By setting their alarms to absurd times, from one to five in the morning, they calculate the optimal alarm time to “enjoy” their snooze. When they finally wake up at the proper time, they are filled with pride that their calculations worked out.
Since they are driven by their strategies and the belief that they have “figured out” life, their pretentiousness prevents them from fully embracing the spontaneity of life.
The Wrap-Up
These categories, while only being a few of the numerous ways people set their alarms, categorize the main four distinct ways people set their alarm. As most of our lives are monotonous and repetitive, how we approach the next day is a reflection of our personalities and lifestyles; the wide range of these features reflect the diversity of humanity.
In the end, we are in control of our lives. By taking the first step towards change, whether it be adding or removing that extra alarm, we can shape ourselves into anything we dream of.
