Rise and shine, early birds! Are you tired of hitting snooze and struggling how to wake up early every morning? Well, it’s time to break that habit and reap the benefits of waking up early. From increased productivity to better sleep, here are 7 benefits of waking up early in the morning. So, set that alarm clock and get ready to seize the day!
 Overview
Most of us are aware of the scientific benefits of waking up early, but very few of us can extract the benefits of getting up early.
While there are still some people who are not aware of the benefits of early rising, there is a bunch who is struggling from ‘how to wake up early’?
This write-up is focussed on the benefits of early rising and some tips on ‘how to wake up early?’
So, what are the benefits of waking up early in the morning?
Are you trying to set up an alarm for a really early hour? Here is why it could be worthwhile:
1. Better quality of sleep
According to research, individuals who get up early tend to go to sleep sooner while enjoying longer and more quality sleep.
Getting adequate sleep has several advantages:
- Better concentration
- Improved mood
- Decreased risk of being overweight as well as other chronic disorders
On the other hand, a lack of adequate sleep can:
- Impair your immune system, increasing your chances of becoming ill more frequently.
- Increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes
- Alter your sexual desire
Therefore, to reap the scientific benefits of waking up early, the mantra is ‘Early to bed, early to rise, makes you healthy, wealthy, and wise’.
2. More time for physical activity
Switching to an early sleep-wake pattern might give you additional time for morning exercising. Regular exercise is often suggested as a cost-effective therapy option for achieving longer and quality sleep.
Moreover, according to research, morning physical exercises, as opposed to night-time exercise, improves the quality of sleep in individuals who have difficulty sleeping. Exercising very close to bedtime, on the other hand, could affect your sleep.
In addition to this, morning exercise produces an influx of the feel-good hormone endorphins, which can enhance your mood, reduce anxiety, and stress, and boost your level of energy.
3. More personal time
If you are living with other people—either kids or adults, waking up early can give you a bit of much-needed alone time.
A little extra time to sip your coffee calmly while reading the daily newspaper or simply enjoying solitude might help you feel more relaxed as you confront a hectic day.
4. Less time getting trapped in traffic
Waking up and getting out of your house early allows you to beat the daily traffic, which is a huge bonus.
Less traffic not only saves you money and time, but it also helps to shield your well-being and your health, since studies have connected traffic to:
- Respiratory problems
- Stress
- Rage and aggressiveness
- Depression
5. Better skin
Difficult nights can impact your skin and leave wrinkles, fine lines, paleness, and puffy eyes. Lack of adequate sleep may also trigger acne on your skin.
A good night’s sleep is beneficial to the health of your skin. Your skin cells rejuvenate as you sleep, while increased blood circulation and collagen aid in repairing the effects caused by pollution and UV damage.
Furthermore, going to bed early allows you to have additional time to practise proper skincare, such as cleansing your face. So don’t be surprised when you wake up with a morning glow.
6. Improves concentration
The brain does not wake up the moment we do; therefore, we often feel foggy and disoriented immediately after we wake up.
This sleep inertia is a usual part of the daily waking process; however, it may continue for up to an hour, making it difficult to stay focused and get things done if you get up and head out of the house too fast.
Waking up early allows you to completely awaken and become more concentrated.
7. Enhances your organisational skills and productivity
To enhance your productivity and organisational skills, it is recommended to allocate some alone time if you find it difficult to keep things in order or if things don’t seem to go as planned.
Getting up early can help you assess your plans with a clear and composed mindset. It is helpful to plan your day beforehand, prepare a checklist, keep a diary, or use a planner to feel more organised. These techniques can help you feel more in control of your daily life.
Tips on ‘how to get up early in the morning?’
Many people understand the benefits of early rising, but how to get up early in the morning? Or how to wake up early? Getting up early can be a problem for many. If you are among those, here are some tips that you can implement to reap the benefits of getting up early.
- Move your alarm time gradually
To gradually acclimatise to your wake-up time, try setting your alarm 15 minutes earlier every day for a week until you reach your desired time. Also, to make this process a little easier, consider going to bed earlier as well. - Encourage yourself
Try not to think of waking up early as a daily chore; instead, find motivation to wake up early. You can do this by using the extra time to do things that bring you joy. For instance, practise yoga and meditation, or work on a project early on to finish it early so that you get more time in the evening to spend it with your friends and family. - Step out of your room
Staying in the room after waking up may make you want to go back to sleep. This can lead to tardiness or a feeling of grogginess. To resist this urge, it’s best to leave your bedroom as soon as possible after waking up. - Avoid using blue light before sleeping
To promote better sleep, it is recommended to avoid blue light exposure 2 to 3 hours prior to bedtime. Blue light can stimulate the brain and make it difficult to wind down. Therefore, it is best to turn off electronic screens early. - Cheat days are allowed
Allow yourself that little extra sleep when you don’t feel like it, are unwell, have a late-night work schedule, or are on an outing. - Try to avoid heavy and spicy food for late dinner
Going to bed too full or eating spicy meals for supper might cause heartburn or indigestion, neither of which will help you sleep well. - Limit caffeine
According to research, caffeine, even if consumed six hours before bedtime, may interfere with an individual’s ability to sleep. As you work towards sleeping and getting up early, attempt to stay away from tea, coffee, and other caffeine-containing beverages later in the day.
Takeaway
In conclusion, waking up early in the morning has numerous benefits. The benefits of waking up early in the morning include increased productivity, better concentration, healthier looking skin, and more time for personal work and exercise. However, some people find it difficult to shift from a night-owl routine to an early-bird routine.
Gradually adjusting your alarm time, finding motivation, and rewarding yourself are effective ways to wake up early. Leaving your bedroom immediately after waking up and avoiding blue light exposure before bed can help promote better sleep.
Overall, making a habit of getting up early can have significant positive effects on one’s overall well-being, and adopting healthy sleep habits can greatly enhance the quality of life.