Waking up early
Waking up early sounds like an absolute laugh for parents of young children, but those who can do it see some decent benefits.
Imagine carving out a pocket of time to get things done without rushing around – that single benefit alone is a massive stress reliever.
Think of it as existing without pressure.
Waking up earlier has many more benefits, like resetting your body clock after a rough night and improving your mental health.
We provide more information below.
More time to yourself
Never underestimate the power of having time for yourself, especially if you have children or care for the elderly or disabled.
Waking up an hour earlier can give you time to sip your coffee slower, read a book, and get a head start on your work schedule.
A proper sleep schedule
Waking up at the same time every day—and earlier than usual—is the key to a sleep schedule that helps you get enough shuteye.
Sleep schedules keep your biological clock – your circadian rhythm – in line, ensuring you feel tired and start waking at the right time.
More energy
Think sleeping past your alarm is good for your energy levels? Think again.
Sleeping in can wreck your energy levels, putting you into a non-ideal sleep cycle before waking, like REM sleep.
You want to be in hypnagogia - the transitional state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep – which occurs during your first alarm.
Beat brain fog
Some people get brain fog because they sleep too long or past their alarm, so waking earlier can help.
A tell-tale sign that waking up late is causing brain fog is if a glass of water doesn't clear it within 10 minutes. Caffeine should do the trick, but it's always better to wake up earlier and follow your alarm cues.
Catching mistakes
Waking up earlier can help you catch mistakes like forgetting to put the bins out and not prepping your lunch (or your kid's lunch) the day before.
That extra hour will save you embarrassment and give you a small win to start the day – ideal for feeling productive and good about yourself.
You can exercise
Most people don't exercise because it takes up time they don't have or because the sweat they'll produce will ruin their work outfit.
Waking up earlier gives you the perfect time to exercise and probably shower afterwards, too—go for a run, jump on your elliptical, or smash out some weights to keep yourself fit without worrying about your daily schedule.
Lose weight
Waking up earlier means moving around more and, in turn, burning through more active calories than you would in bed.
Exercise will accelerate this effect, or you can go for a morning walk and burn 200 calories after an hour. It's easy.
Eat healthily
More time in the morning equals better breakfast choices because you aren't forced to grab a sugar-laden cereal or snack.
You'll have the time to cook, spread some avocado on your toast, and take berries out of the freezer to throw on your yoghurt.
The same goes for your lunches—waking up earlier gives you time to prep a healthy lunch and save the calories from fast food.
Summing up
Waking up earlier isn’t for everyone – and some people will find it impossible – but there are three significant benefits to following an earlier alarm:
There are many benefits to waking up early, both for your physical and mental health. Here are a few of the key advantages:
- Improved productivity: Early mornings tend to be quiet and free from distractions, allowing you to focus on essential tasks and get ahead of your day.
- Enhanced mental well-being: Waking up at sunrise can boost your mood and energy. Early risers also tend to have more time for self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or journaling, which can all contribute to better mental health.
- Better sleep quality: Contrary to what you might think, waking up earlier can lead to better sleep at night because it helps to regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, also known as your circadian rhythm.
- More time for breakfast: Skipping breakfast is a common habit for night owls, but eating a healthy breakfast is essential for providing your body with the fuel it needs to function throughout the day. Waking up early allows you time to prepare and enjoy a nutritious meal.
- Increased focus and concentration: Early mornings often provide a quiet environment with minimal distractions, allowing you to think clearly and concentrate on tasks that require focus.
If you're interested in reaping the benefits of waking up early, gradually changing your sleep schedule is important. Start by going to bed and waking up 15 minutes earlier each week until you reach your desired wake-up time.
The time benefit is the biggie. Use it to exercise, go for walks, prep meals, and get started on your schedule without being run off your feet.