Old School RS has left me enamored with two things: mornings, and papayas. That's surprising for two reasons – I've never actually eaten papaya, and I'm not a morning person. That can't be stressed enough: school was a nightmare because I'd regularly stay home snoozing, and the distant memory of a 9AM lecture at uni remains a harrowing prospect. I'm a little better now that I have a job I actually want to be at, but I still miserably optimize my morning routine to maximize my minutes – seconds, even – in bed. Over the last 13 years, I've tried all sorts to remedy my morning woes but nothing's stuck – until I received help from an unlikely source.

In the purgatory between Christmas and New Year, Old School RuneScape (OSRS) sank its claws back into me. It always does. A RuneScape offshoot that captures the game's nostalgic 2007 days, OSRS works a little differently to other MMOs because rather than grinding through endless fetch quests to level up your character, there are 23 different skills – many of them non-combat – to level up. There are still bosses to kill, raids to vanquish, and quests to tackle, but the point is that you're largely left to your own devices: do what you want, it's your time.

The Morning Struggle

To truly appreciate how OSRS changed my mornings, it's important to understand just how much I've struggled with them. From the time I was a child, mornings were my nemesis. I would snooze my alarm until the very last second, often resulting in a mad dash to get ready and out the door. This habit continued into my university years where the mere thought of a 9AM lecture filled me with dread. I became an expert at optimizing my morning routine to maximize my time in bed – brushing my teeth in the shower, skipping breakfast, anything to catch a few more minutes of sleep.

The mornings did not get any easier after I entered the workforce. Although I now have a job that I enjoy, waking up early remains a challenge. I have experimented with various solutions, from drinking coffee to setting multiple alarms, but nothing seemed to alleviate the morning misery.

Rediscovering Old School RuneScape

During the holiday lull between Christmas and New Year, I found myself with ample free time and a desire to reconnect with an old favorite. OSRS has always had a special place in my heart, encapsulating the nostalgic charm of its 2007 glory days. Unlike other MMOs, OSRS emphasizes skill development over quest completion. There are 23 skills to master, many of which are non-combat, giving players the freedom to choose their own path. The game's open-ended nature means that you can focus on whatever interests you the most, whether it's fighting formidable bosses, undertaking complex quests, or simply fishing and cooking by a tranquil river.

The Allure of Farming

Among the various skills in OSRS, one stood out to me during this particular playthrough: Farming. Farming in OSRS is a unique activity that requires planning, patience, and regular attention. Players plant seeds, tend to their crops, and eventually harvest the fruits of their labor. It's a slow but rewarding process that mirrors real-life agriculture in a simplified, pixelated form.

Farming requires a level of commitment that initially seemed daunting. Plants need to be watered and monitored regularly, and neglecting them can lead to withered crops and wasted effort. However, it was this very aspect of Farming that intrigued me. The idea of nurturing something over time, watching it grow, and eventually reaping the rewards was incredibly appealing.

Papayas and Routine

Papayas, in particular, became a focal point of my Farming endeavors. Papaya trees take over 16 hours to grow, requiring consistent attention but offering substantial Farming experience and valuable fruit upon harvest. To ensure the health of my papaya trees, I needed to check on them twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening.

This requirement inadvertently established a new routine for me. Knowing that my virtual crops depended on my timely care gave me a reason to get out of bed in the morning. The thought of logging in to tend to my papaya trees became a surprisingly effective motivator. I found myself waking up earlier, not just to play OSRS, but to start my day with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

The Ripple Effect

What started as a virtual farming routine soon had a positive ripple effect on my real life. Waking up early to tend to my papayas meant I had extra time in the morning. Rather than rushing through my routine, I began incorporating new habits. I started making a healthy breakfast, something I had often skipped in my quest for more sleep. I also found time to do a quick workout, which left me feeling energized and ready to face the day.

The benefits extended beyond physical activities. With a more relaxed morning schedule, I had time to read or listen to podcasts, enriching my mind before heading to work. These changes improved my overall mood and productivity, making my mornings something I looked forward to rather than dreaded.

A New Perspective

Farming in OSRS taught me the value of patience and consistency. The gradual process of planting, tending, and harvesting mirrored the changes I was experiencing in my own life. Just as my virtual crops required regular attention and care, so did my own well-being. By establishing a routine and sticking to it, I was able to transform my mornings from a time of misery to a time of growth and positivity.

Moreover, the satisfaction of seeing my efforts pay off in the game translated to real-life achievements. Each successful harvest reinforced the idea that small, consistent actions could lead to significant results. This mindset shift helped me tackle other areas of my life with renewed vigor, from personal projects to professional goals.

Conclusion

Old School RuneScape, with its nostalgic charm and engaging gameplay, provided an unexpected solution to my lifelong struggle with mornings. The discipline and routine required by the Farming skill, particularly my beloved papaya trees, created a positive feedback loop that improved both my virtual and real-life routines. Through the simple act of tending to my digital crops, I discovered a newfound appreciation for mornings and a healthier, more productive way to start my day.

As I continue my journey in OSRS, I look forward to uncovering more life lessons hidden within its pixelated world. Whether it's learning the importance of patience through Fishing or developing problem-solving skills through OSRS Quests, this game has proven to be much more than a mere pastime. It has become a source of inspiration and personal growth, reminding me that even the smallest changes can have a profound impact on our lives. So, here's to OSRS, papayas, and the unexpected joy of a well-spent morning.

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