Mornings can be the most productive part of the day for many entrepreneurs. I’ve personally found that rising early to go for a run or heading out to get a jump-start on errands allows me to spend my afternoons focused on productivity, whether it’s writing blog posts like this one or even just keeping up with work emails.
Waking up early can seem intimidating, especially if you are more of a night owl. It may even feel like there is too much to do in the morning and getting out of bed may be the last thing on your mind. However, waking up earlier will allow you to benefit from several perks which we will discuss here in this article. If you need advice on how to begin waking up earlier so that it doesn’t seem as hard for you, these are some tips to help set you off on the right foot for a productive day!
Improved Brain Function
Getting a good night’s sleep is very important in order to maintain optimal brain function. Our brains need time to rest as much as the other parts of our body, and not giving it that time can hinder cognitive performance, memory recall, concentration and thinking processes. Lack of sleep is also related to mood swings and irritability. Not only will your mental acuity suffer but your moods too!
Better Sleep Quality
Quality sleep at night is critical for achievement. A quick nap in the middle of the day can increase one’s energy level and alertness, and improve overall mental focus. Waking up early to start the day is necessary to allow enough time to get important things accomplished before going to bed again. With enough rest, the brain has time to repair itself.
People who have consistent sleep patterns throughout the week generally don’t get as tired during the day where on the other hand, individuals who go to sleep late aren’t getting enough sleep can be more fatigued at times.
Time to Eat breakfast
If you wake up late and have to rush out the door, you’re more likely to grab a quick and unhealthy snack or skip breakfast entirely. Late sleepers and risers eat more calories per day, half as many fruits, and veggies, and twice as much soda and fast food compared to people who sleep earlier than them.
A healthy and energizing breakfast is the key to a great day, and a well-rounded meal will set you up for success later on in the day. Going easy on carbohydrates and sugars first thing in the morning, as well as eating leaner proteins may help mitigate your overall calorie intake for the rest of the day.
Time for morning exercise
Getting a workout in the morning when you’re feeling your most energized not only starts your day on the right foot but is also important for your physical and mental well-being. Exercise reduces your risk of heart disease, improves your mood, regulates blood sugar, controls your weight, improves your cognitive function, among many other benefits.
Improved mental health and mood
Research has shown that those who enjoy a morning routine will feel more positivity and optimism compared to night owls. They’re also more agreeable, conscientious, and satisfied with life. Female early risers are much less at risk of developing mental illnesses like depression or anxiety.
Less Stress
Waking up early is a great way to lessen stress and even help save time because you don’t have to worry about traffic jams. No matter how busy, you can always take your time and take care of any tasks that need to be addressed at that moment when typically everyone else is in a rush. Being well-rested also makes one more keenly aware of the different approaches to problems so one can solve them efficiently.
Increases productivity and organization
Many early risers set goals for the day and to plan ahead so they can take advantage of their mornings. This helps them to be more productive in the end of the day by allowing them to complete tasks or try new things much faster. It also minimizes forgetfulness because you’ve written your daily plans down, maybe even in a notebook so it is no longer just an idea, but a promise!
Blissful mornings
Waking up early isn’t always about being more productive but if you have children or live with others, you can use this time to enjoy some quality ‘me’ time and have a relaxing, quiet morning routine.