If you’re like most people, you dread the sound of your alarm in the morning. In fact, you might be guilty of hitting the snooze button to steal a few more minutes of blissful slumber. Although it’s tempting to sleep in as late as possible, studies show that there are benefits to waking up earlier.
Some of the most productive people in the world, including CEOs and world leaders, use an “early to bed, early to rise” strategy in order to get more done and enjoy higher levels of energy throughout the day. Here are three benefits to waking up earlier.
1. Ease Into Your Day
If you’re rushing to get to work in the morning because you slept in as late as you possibly could, you’re beginning your day with a nervous, anxious energy that might affect your mood and productivity. However, if you allow yourself to take your time waking up in the morning and then head to work relaxed and on schedule, you’re in a much healthier mental space as you sit down and tackle what needs to be accomplished that day.
2. Enjoy Having More Time to Get Things Done
When you become an early riser, you have more time to get things done in the morning. Many people like to get their exercise for the day over and done with before their neighbors have even gotten out of bed. Alternatively, the early morning hours can be a great time to read a few chapters of a book, which will help you to feel centered and calm for the rest of the day.
3. Cultivate Discipline and Build Better Habits
Many people use the old adage “If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere” when describing New York City. When it comes to becoming an early riser, if you can build this habit, you can build just about any habit. It’s a challenge to build the discipline necessary to become the kind of person who’s ready to go before the sun has even risen. However, if you can do it, you’ll start to notice that you’re more disciplined and enthusiastic to tackle other difficult challenges in your life.
If you can commit to waking up earlier, you’ll notice a huge shift in other areas of your life as well. While it can be difficult to become an early riser, the rewards are extremely worthwhile.