For some, waking up early is a habitual practice, while for others, it is a grueling task that never seems to improve their productivity. However, waking up early and starting the day on a positive note can greatly impact the outcome of an entire day.
If you are someone who struggles to find motivation early in the morning or have always wondered whether waking up earlier can actually make a difference, this article is for you.
What Does Waking Up Early Mean?
When we refer to waking up early, we usually mean waking up before sunrise, or in general, waking up before the typical start of the day’s activities. For most people, this might mean getting up around 5 or 6 AM.
However, if you are a night owl or work late hours, you might consider waking up early an hour or two before your regular routine.
The Benefits of Waking Up Early
Waking up early has numerous benefits that can improve one’s mental, physical, and emotional health. These benefits include:.
1. Time for Exercise
Waking up early can provide exercises that enjoy more flexibility in scheduling time to workout. Not only does morning exercise give us a sense of accomplishment to start the day, but it also stimulates the brain to be productive.
2. Reduced Stress
In general, waking up early means that one is not in a hurry to get ready and leave for work or school. This added time allows for more organization and less stress to begin the day.
3. Time for Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and if you wake up early, you are more likely to have time to prepare and enjoy a proper breakfast.
Eating a healthy breakfast can give you the energy you need to start the day and keep you full enough to avoid snacking often.
4. Increased Productivity
The quiet hours before the rest of the world wakes up can be an excellent time for both creativity and productivity.
This is when you can plan your day ahead, finish any work that you left pending, solve problems, or engage in any activities that require concentration.
5. Better Sleep
Lastly, waking up early means that you are more likely to establish a regular sleep schedule. By sticking to a set sleep routine, you will be able to get better quality sleep and improve your well-being both mentally and physically.
How to Start Waking Up Earlier
Waking up early can seem daunting at first, but it is achievable with some commitment and a little bit of effort. Here are some tips that can help you to wake up earlier:.
1. Set a Goal
One of the reasons people struggle to wake up early is because they don’t have a reason to do it. Setting goals for the morning such as completing tasks before noon or exercising, can be an excellent motivator to wake up early.
2. Stick to a Sleep Routine
Having a consistent sleep schedule is essential in training your body to wake up earlier. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including weekends, will beat your biological clock into submission.
3. Limit Screen Time Before Bed
Watching television or scrolling through social media can disrupt the natural process of sleep and make it more difficult to fall asleep. Instead, engage in relaxing activities like taking a bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.
4. Create a Bedtime Routine
Establishing a bedtime routine that relaxes your body and mind will help signal that it’s time for bed. This routine can include anything from drinking a glass of warm milk, to meditating, stretching, or listening to a soothing podcast.
5. Use Alarm Clock Wisely
Handling the alarm clock to wake up early can be difficult for some.
One of the most effective ways to make waking up early a habit is using an alarm clock wisely, including setting it up at the other end of the room, using a gentle melody, or utilizing a smart alarm app which can detect the best time to wake you up.
Conclusion
Waking up earlier can transform your day by bringing a sense of calm and focus to your routine. Utilizing your early mornings for exercise, breakfast, or productive work can help manifest a more positive and fulfilling lifestyle.
By waking up earlier you will have more time to prioritize your goals and establish routines that will have a positive impact on all aspects of your life.