Mornings can be tough, especially when you’re trying to hold on to each and every extra minute of sleep you can possibly get. But getting up early can actually make you a happier person, and research shows it can even improve your health.
We know mornings don’t always come easily to everyone, so here are some benefits of becoming an early riser and a few tips to make it feel like a breeze.
Boosts Your Mood
Becoming a morning person boosts your feel-good vibes. People who wake up early feel happier than those who hit snooze for a few extra zzz’s. They are also more alert and have stronger immune systems. Plus, waking up early gives you more time to squeeze in a little me-time.
Get The Most Out Of Your Day
Ever wish you had more hours in a day to get things done? Waking up early gives you a distraction-free chance to take care of things you might not otherwise be able to do, like meditating, journaling, exercising or getting some chores done before you start your workday.
Better Sleep & More Energy
It’s been found that people who wake up early tend to go to bed earlier and enjoy longer, better-quality sleep. Getting enough sleep lowers your chance of obesity and other chronic diseases, and results in more energy. With better sleep, you’ll wake up feeling more rested and refreshed for the day ahead.
Helps You Concentrate
Your brain doesn’t wake up the second you do, which is why we tend to feel groggy and disoriented when we first get up. While this is a regular part of the waking process, it can last about an hour or more, making it harder to concentrate and get stuff done. Waking up earlier gives you time to fully wake up so you’re more focused.
Healthier skin
Rough nights can show on your skin in fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and swollen eyelids. Sleep deprivation can also contribute to acne. Going to bed earlier and getting good sleep helps keep your skin healthy. During sleep, your skin cells regenerate, while increased blood flow and collagen help repair environmental and UV damage. As long as you pair getting up early with an earlier bedtime, you’ll wake up with that morning glow.
Tips For Waking Up Earlier
If you want to be an early bird, these tips can help make the transition easier.
- Gradually Move Up Your Alarm Time
Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier every day for a week, gradually moving the time up to where you want it. To avoid waking up tired, try going to bed a bit earlier too.
- Motivate Yourself
Getting up early shouldn’t feel like a chore. Find motivation by using the extra time to do something that makes you happy, like tackling a project or enjoying a morning meditation session.
- Avoid Blue Light Before Bed
Blue light is great for perking you up in the daytime, but avoiding it 2 to 3 hours before bed can help you wind down for sleep.
- Allow Yourself The Occasional Lie-In
It’s not easy adjusting to a new sleep schedule. So take the pressure off on days when you need to stay in bed a little longer, like when you’re sick or had a late night.
Becoming a morning person is no easy feat, but you’ll reap some important benefits by getting up early every day.
