Reasons to Get Up Early
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For many of us, getting up early in the morning is not exactly the easiest thing to do. This wasn’t a problem for me as a teen. All through college, I annoyed people near and far by being the most chipper person on campus at 6:00 AM. But by the time I had children, all the perky was gone and I started looking for the snooze button more often.
Now when the alarm goes off, it seems like that additional hour of sleep would be of more benefit. But when we consider some of the benefits of getting up early, it’s easy to decide that the extra time in the morning could really be worth it.
The positive benefits seen from starting your day earlier can stretch across health, productivity, and mindset. In fact, it can be a life-changer. Let’s take a look at some of the ways getting up early is a great idea.
It Can Lead to a Fantastic Start to Your Day
There’s no arguing the fact that it feels much better to start your day calm and well-rested. By waking up early, you give yourself the time to get all your morning activities done with no rush. The extra time in the morning will allow you to shake off the AM grogginess and ease into the start of your day.
You can make breakfast, get yourself ready for work, get the kids ready for school, and follow your morning routine without feeling as if you are in a hurry. Which means less yelling, scrambling, forgetting, and stumbling to get it all done.
Imagine turning into work grumpy and scruffy because of how many tasks you had to fit into such little time. But if you wake up early, you’ll be calm and ready to take on the day with no stress.
It May Cause a Better Mood
Starting your day off in a more leisurely pace will definitely lift your mood, but did you know early risers are happier than night owls? A University of Toronto study showed morning people actually report higher levels of happiness. That’s something worth waking up early for.
It Helps You Be on Time
Remember those days when you barely make it by the skin of your teeth to work, daycare, school, or the gym? Or even worse, those days when you’re flat out late? Waking up early each day gives you the time to get to where you need to be when you’re supposed to be there.
It Helps Maintain a Healthy Diet
We’ve heard it many times, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. As an early bird, you have all the time to put together a healthy breakfast meal, unlike the late risers who grab whatever is most convenient, healthy or not, gobble it up as quickly as possible or on the run, or skip the meal altogether (gasp!)
Skipping breakfast can be the gateway to unhealthy eating habits. When you don’t fuel your body well, by 10 AM, you start to feel hungry, and suddenly those chips and doughnuts in the break room will start looking like a good idea.
It Gives You Extra Time to Exercise
One of the most common excuses people give for skipping out on exercising is, “I don’t have time.” Consider this: you will never have time if you don’t consciously create it. By waking up early, you have the time to squeeze in a morning workout session.
For many, mornings are the best time to work out because it leaves you energized, more focused, and in a much better mood for the day ahead. According to the Harvard Medical School’s journal, exercise triggers your brain to release a chemical which boosts brain function. Hence, you feel more motivated and productive after a morning workout.
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It Can Increase Productivity
If you struggle to get things done during the day, waking up early not only gives you more time to get things done, but it also makes you more productive. In the early hours, your mental capacity is higher, and you’re more focused. So, it’s the ideal time to get things done. While the rest of the world is still in bed, you are already getting a head start on the day.
In the morning, you can focus on essential tasks without distractions – no noise from neighbors, loud office mates, or crying kids. Besides, the brain is usually more active in the mornings. You can make decisions more clearly and complete tasks much quicker.
Are You an Early Riser or Night Owl?
As Tim Ferriss of the best-selling book 4-Hour Work Week says, “Win the morning, win the day.” Now that you know the benefits of waking up early, maybe it’s time to consider becoming an early riser.
Do you like to get up early or sleep in? Share in the comments.
Do you need some help getting your mornings in order? School is starting and schedules are changing! Use this time to get your mornings organized so that you are less stressed and able to get your day going. Sign up for a free Good Morning Worksheet here.
Loving Life–The Reboot!
Dominique
23 Comments
Steph Social
You’re so right! It’s hard for me to wake up early, but I always end up feeling better in the end if I do! I get more accomplished and don’t feel so rushed and stressed!
Michael
True. Waking up early makes you more productive because you are more focused on things.. Not like when you wake late.. You feel kind of lazy and tired.
Cindy
I agree with win the morning, win the day. It definitely makes a difference getting up earlier and tackling the day.
Krysten Quiles
I’m a pretty early riser – normally I can’t sleep any later than 8AM. I can’t believe people who sleep half the day away!
Dominique
I have tried to stay in bed later — it only works on vacation and that only until 9ish…
Samar
So true, getting up early is really healthy.
Thanks for this awareness post.
Dominique
Thank you for reading!
Kuntala Bhattacharya
I agree with you. Getting up early keeps you healthy. You finish your exercise on time your breakfast on time and so many other important activities. Good post.
tweenselmom
I am a morning person too, but sometimes it goes with the career. There are lots of people in our place who need to sleep during the morning.
Melanie Frost
I was never a morning person – I’m still not. But since I have to be an adult, I don’t have much choice these days. I honestly don’t mind waking up early, but I think it’s the alarm that I can’t stand.
Dominique
I hate alarms too! I tend no to use them or if I can’t avoid it — I don’t do snooze! My husband loves the snooze button though…
maysz
I agree with this! Getting up early can make you feel motivate and productive and also do regular exercise for healthy lifestyle.
Crystal
I’m such a non-morning person, but it’s strange because on the odd days that I do wake up early naturally, I’m in such a good mood! I need to really reset my clock!
Arun Dahiya
Completely agree with all the points. Getting early sets the day good. And I don’t like skipping breakfast. It keeps me uplifted through out the day.
Dana Brillante-Peller
Timing is everything when you’re looking to get a head start on something. More so when you have meetings and such.
Laura
I love getting up early. I feel the day is longer and I can have extra time just for me 🙂
Laura
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Dominique
Me too. This is more obvious to me when I am on the west coast, Longest more fruitful days!
Genny Gall
Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you will start to see a big difference in your life. Good start every morning, wonderful post.
Dominique
Thank you — I like the point about smiling each morning! Have a great one!
Bindu Thomas
I’m more of a night owl due to the nature of my work. I do try to get up early on holidays though
mihir gadhvi
I’m a member of 5 am a club. we walk up at 5 and sleep at 11 pm . after join 5 am club life is more beautiful
Bree
I have been trying over the years to wake earlier and earlier. I love it so much when I can get up early, it helps my mood and productivity big time!
Kiwi
I am still not a morning person. These are good tips hopefully I get there one day!