Rise and Shine

How Becoming an Early Riser Can Transform Your Life

Do you feel like every morning is a mad dash to get out the door? Are you not achieving as much as you'd like? It's time to follow the footsteps of some of history's greatest minds and become an early riser. Here's why and how to do it.

Benefit #1: Increased Productivity

The world is a much quieter place at 6:00 AM. The kiddos are probably still asleep, and businesses haven’t opened yet. Use this peaceful time to get a head start on your day. Plan out your schedule, work on your side hustle, catch up on emails, exercise, or tackle those annoying administrative tasks that often get overlooked.

Benefit #2: Boosted Creativity

Many writers and artists find their peak creativity first thing in the morning. In fact, recent research shows that we’re more creative when we’re a little bit groggy. Use this time to brainstorm new ideas or work on creative projects.

Benefit #3: Decreased Stress

Early rising can reduce stress in two ways. First, you get more done with your extra time, freeing your mind from psychological clutter. Second, use the early hour for meditation or thoughtful reflection. You could journal, pray, or simply enjoy some quiet time to think.

Benefit #4: Enhanced Fitness

An early-morning workout will leave you feeling full of vim and vigor, ready to take on the rest of the day with energy and enthusiasm.

How to Become an Early Riser

Go to Bed Earlier

Your body needs adequate sleep to function optimally. There's no point in waking up earlier if you’re going to drag physically and mentally all day. If you're waking up an hour earlier, go to bed an hour earlier. Train your mind and body to adjust by reading until you start to feel sleepy.

Start Off Small

If your goal is to wake up at 5:00 AM, start by waking up just 15 minutes earlier than usual. Stick to this for a few days until your body adjusts, then cut back another 15 minutes. Continue this cycle until you’re waking up at your desired time.

Keep Your Alarm Clock Far Away

If you can reach your alarm clock from bed, you’ll probably just hit snooze. Place it far enough away that you have to get out of bed to turn it off.

Establish a Morning Routine

Without a plan, you might find yourself stumbling back to bed out of boredom. Establish a simple morning routine that starts as soon as you wake up. It could be as easy as stepping outside for a deep breath of fresh air.

Invigorate with Cold Water

If you’re feeling groggy, nothing wakes you up like a splash of cold water on your face. Better yet, take a cold shower to feel bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

Make a Good Breakfast

Looking forward to a delicious breakfast can make it easier to get out of bed. Plan something tasty and nutritious to start your day right.

Discipline, Discipline, Discipline

Cultivating the habit of waking up early is like forging any other habit—it takes discipline and commitment. You just have to do it. If you want extra time to be productive, making the switch to waking up earlier is worth it.

Here’s to never letting the sun catch us sleeping! 🌞