While a leisurely lie-in can seem tempting, especially when life is particularly busy, rising early could actually offer a range of surprising mental and physical benefits.
A survey from Bensons for Beds reveals that the most popular time for people in the UK to wake up in the morning is between 7 and 8 am. More than 42% of respondents stated this was their normal wake-up time on days they work and days they don’t.
This might seem like a perfectly reasonable time to wake up, but there are some hidden advantages to becoming an early bird. Continue reading to discover some of the benefits of an early rise.
There are many fantastic benefits of rising early in the morning
Perhaps the most apparent benefit of rising early is that you’ll have more time to yourself in the morning.
Whether you’re a parent juggling a busy household, or a professional living on your own, those precious moments early in the morning can provide some much-needed peace and quiet.
Whether you spend your time drinking coffee, reading the newspaper, or tidying the house, this could be your chance for a few moments to mentally prepare for the day ahead.
The benefits of an early rise extend beyond a quiet cup of coffee, though — it is also the ideal time to prioritise your health and wellbeing.
For instance, if you struggle to find time in your daily routine to exercise, doing so first thing in the morning could release feel-good endorphins, improving your mood and energy levels for rest of the day.
Or, if you’re working the day of your early rise, you might want to commute earlier. Research reported by Science Daily found that sitting in traffic jams can increase your exposure to toxic fumes by 76%, potentially leading to respiratory issues.
Congestion has also been linked to stress, depression, and aggression. Meanwhile, early mornings could mean quieter roads, allowing you to avoid the morning rush.
Once you get into the habit of waking earlier, a study on the National Library of Medicine suggests that you might start to go to bed earlier and enjoy better quality sleep.
This deeper sleep could significantly boost your mood, improve concentration throughout the day, and even lower your risk of obesity and chronic disease.
Better sleep could also result in healthier skin. Healthline reports that during sleep, your skin’s blood flow increases, and the organ rebuilds collagen, repairing damage from UV exposure and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
While rising early can be challenging, there are some ways you could transition to it
Knowing the benefits of an early rise is one thing, but actually transitioning to it can be a shock to the system, especially if you’re not used to it.
One way to wake up earlier is by gradually adjusting your alarm. You could start by setting your alarm 15 minutes earlier each day. This gradual shift may allow your body to adapt to the new rhythm.
Moreover, it’s vital to regularly remind yourself of the benefits of rising early. Motivating yourself can be challenging, especially on dark and dreary mornings.
As such, you should celebrate small victories with something you enjoy, such as a delicious breakfast treat or a cup of your favourite coffee. This could help you stay focused on your goal of becoming an early riser.
You might also want to avoid using your phone when you head to bed, as the blue light it emits can fool your brain into thinking it’s daytime, suppressing the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin.
At the very least, turning your phone to “night mode” could help, as it changes the colour scheme to a more orange hue.
If you wake early, it might be wise to make your mornings as productive as possible
Now that you’ve hopefully managed to wake up early, you might as well make the most of it and be more productive in the morning.
Starting your day with a healthy breakfast – such as oatmeal, fruit, or a smoothie – can provide you with sustained energy to help you tackle the day’s challenges.
Don’t forget to hydrate, too. As Real Simple states, this can increase your energy levels as it prompts the rehydration process, ensuring your tissues and organs get the fluids they need and boosting your mental performance.
Also, while you might feel the need to use your phone when you first wake up, you may want to avoid it for as long as possible.
Even if you need to check your emails, this could quickly turn into mindless scrolling, and you’ll waste this precious time.
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Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
