Why do you think I have to prepare myself mentally for a new day before it begins?

I work from home and could be ready to start in half an hour but I always allow an hour at least just to get myself ‘into the zone’. I need to prepare myself for the day ahead I can’t just rush into it.

I really prefer a slow start in the morning. I hate having to jump out of bed, into the shower, eat quickly, dress, out of the house. For me, it doesn’t affect the entire rest of my day, but I do have dread in the beginning of the day. I think the biggest reason in my case I am not naturally a morning person.

I know a lot of people who meditate in the morning, or pray, or exercise. I think that is similar to what you are talking about. I think it is very common.

I’m a slow starter too. The first two things that come to mind when I wake up are: Oh Lord, it’s time to feed the cat, and Oh Lord, it’s time to take my 3-mile walk! Feeding the cat is easy and it gives me time to make up my mind whether or not to walk. I usually do walk 5–6 days week. That 45 minutes serves as both my exercise and my daily meditative and planning period.

It’s very smart and wise, it’s actually in the Bible, worded as “renew your mind daily….”

No worries, spend quiet time, refresh yourself, and continue this awesome habit :)

I don’t think it’s all that unusual… I have a hard time getting through the day in a sane and calm manner if I don’t have a few hours in the morning to turn my brain on, eat properly, and work out. I abhor rushing, especially in the morning, so I will wake up 3–4 hours before I need to be at work.

My cousin recently made reference to how he prepares mentally for his workday during the quiet spaces in his commute in a speech (a eulogy) he made—and I knew I could relate, and saw a large number of heads nodding in recognition.
So, yeah, I don’t think it’s unusual at all.
I know I need to prepare to be “on” all day in the presence of coworkers, customers or others..and I need downtime to recover after a lengthy period of social interaction as well.

Certainly if you’re an introvert it would make sense that you need some space to yourself to recharge…that’s a pretty common trait of introversion. I think one of the textbook definitions is that introverts are easily overwhelmed by too much stimulation from social gatherings and engagement, introversion having even been defined by some in terms of a preference for a quiet, more minimally stimulating environment. (from the Wikipedia definition)

There are people who wake up wide awake and ready to go. Not me. A little prep period is good for getting your brain and your body warmed up.

yes, geeky mama says a lot of truth..you can even be an exprovert i think, and be an HSP.
Highly Sensitive Person…get the book it will prove you are normal.
Smart even, to take the daily time to do this