The Benefits of Waking Up Early

"It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth and wisdom" - Aristotle.

"Why would I want to voluntarily wake up early, when I could be spending that precious time in the warmth of my duvet, dreaming away?" you're probably thinking. Waking up early has recently been a trend that several people have been persuaded to try for themselves. The results? Hitting the snooze button, throwing the alarm across the room and continuing the deep slumber. However, those who were prompted enough to drag themselves out of their cocoon found many advantages in doing so on a daily basis. Whatever their motivations and influences, they all reaped the benefits of waking up early. So why shouldn't you?

You have a head start to the day. As an early riser, you are one step ahead of the others; you wake up with a calm, untroubled attitude and have everything under control. This means that the time can be spent for organising your day ahead and reflecting on your thoughts. Your cognitive ability is at its sharpest, so your decisions will be worthwhile and valuable. Setting aside time to do these things will ensure you have started your day the best way possible, therefore increasing the chances of having a good one. The additional benefit of being able to skip the morning traffic and arriving on time is definitely worth it.

To experience the beauty of nature. Whether it be gazing out of the window watching the morning sky shift between pinks, oranges and blues or hearing the heavy hoots of owls, the opportunity is wonderful. Nature is at its best in the hours of dawn, when everything is serene and awakening. Taking perhaps ten minutes out of your morning to admire nature is an activity which will undoubtedly set you on the right foot for the day.

For better mental health. By waking up earlier, the need for rushing to complete tasks is removed, which in turn reduces stress levels. Studies have shown that morning people are more optimistic and have higher levels of satisfaction with their lives. Within a few days, you will realise that your positive emotions have increased significantly and you are leading a happier lifestyle.

Your productivity is enhanced. Some of the most successful people in our world today are early risers. How? It's simple: the earlier you wake up, the more you get done. There are less distractions in the morning, so you can achieve more in less time. Furthermore, after a good night's sleep, your brain is fully charged thus allowing you to be your most efficient and your work will be of higher quality. In this way, you have more time in the evening to do whatever you wish.

For breakfast. Many of us are guilty of neglecting breakfast, because we wake up late and don't have enough time. Rushing out of the house with an apple is not going to give you your morning boost. However, upon rising early you now have time to make yourself a delicious, energising breakfast to fuel yourself for the morning! You are likely to create a healthy meal which stimulates your brain and increase your efficiency.

To get active. The morning is an excellent time to exercise, as it starts your day with energy, positivity and overall enthusiasm. Having an exercise routine at the end of the day is likely to be cancelled and rescheduled due to tasks which need to be done. With a morning exercise routine, there is a lower likelihood of being able to get out of it. There's nothing like an invigorating morning workout to start your day!