Rising early is the secret to productivity for many successful people. From athletes to doctors, people who get things done recommend waking up early because it gives you a headstart to your day and more time to complete errands or work.
Waking up early may seem difficult, especially for night owls, but it has great benefits, including improving sleep quality, mental health, and productivity. In our article, we take a look at the various benefits of early rising and offer advice on how you can begin waking up early so you start your days off right.
Here are the reasons why you should wake up early.
Early risers tend to concentrate better and be more alert and energized throughout the day.
Adequate and consistent sleep improves blood pressure, the immune system, basic brain functions, and mood, and gives your body time to repair itself. Waking up early makes going to bed early easier, and keeping consistent sleep and wake times regulates your circadian rhythm and leads to deeper sleep at night.
If you wake up late and have to rush out the door, you’re more likely to grab a quick and unhealthy snack or skip breakfast entirely. Late sleepers and risers eat 248 more calories per day, half as many fruits, and veggies, and twice as much soda and fast food compared to people who sleep and rise early.
For busy individuals, early mornings might be the only time to fit exercise in. After long school or workdays, getting to the gym can be difficult and you might feel unmotivated. It can be easy to skip a workout after a long day, but it’s not so easy to do so in the mornings.
Individuals who wake up early have more positive thoughts compared to night owls. They’re found to be more optimistic, agreeable, conscientious, and satisfied with life. Female early risers are also much less likely to develop mental illnesses, such as depression or anxiety.
By waking up early, you can minimize stress and finish work without an added time crunch or any pressure. There’s no need to rush places since there’s little traffic to make you late, so you can take your time. Being well-rested also improves your ability to problem-solve.
Many early risers take advantage of their mornings by setting goals and planning for the day. Planning is linked to improved productivity as you have extra time in the day to complete tasks early or try new things. It minimizes forgetfulness, especially if you’ve written your daily plan down.
Waking up early isn’t always about being more productive. If you have children or live with others, you can use early mornings to enjoy time to yourself and have a relaxing, quiet morning routine.