We all see those motivational videos and articles about the benefits of waking up early (some even at 4/5am!). But let’s be honest, how many of us can really achieve it and more importantly does this really work?
The thought of waking up early might seem like a good idea at the time, but when that alarm does go off, the snooze button always seems like the better option..
So what really are the supposed benefits of waking up earlier?
Mental fitness
One of the most significant benefits of waking up early is reduced stress level. When you rise early, it eliminates the need to rush in the morning. You can then start your day on an optimistic note and such positivity often stays with you throughout the day.
Better sleep quality
Early risers often go to bed early. Getting up early is not something that should be followed irregularly but it needs to be established as a routine in your life. This translates into better sleep quality as your body’s internal clock adapts to your new sleep routine.
More intelligent
A research conducted by Texas University has identified that students who were early risers scored better grades than those who were late to rise. Their GPAs were higher than the latter. One can link it to an enhanced productivity and quality of sleep.
More positive
Getting up early instils you with positivity. A research has suggested that people who got up early were happier, not just for a short duration but overall in life.
Seems good right? The question is though does it ACTUALLY work?
I’m more of a “proof is in the pudding” kind of person. So what better way to test this out than to wake up earlier myself. After all, if there’s even a chance that it will make me more successful, I’ll give it a go.
It’s Saturday night, it’s a new start to the week tomorrow and the alarm is set for 6am (I can’t say this was a nice feeling).
6am – alarm goes off, I immediately get out of bed (if you have read the Chimps Paradox you will know this is the most important bit, before your inner chimp kicks in and decides the snooze button looks more appealing!)
6.05am – Time for that morning walk (the older I get the more I see everyone is obsessed by their daily number of steps and that infamous post-food walk makes more sense).
6:45am – walk concluded whilst listening to Spotify’s daily “how to be a morning person” podcast – seems apt. Morning steps done and the kettle is boiling.
7am – Sit on the balcony with a cuppa, reading my book (choice at the moment is Steve Guest’s Top Biller, if you’re in recruitment I can recommend this 100%)
7.30am – shower, get ready and into the office for 8:30am. Ready to attack the day.
But Mollie, I’m not a morning person. What tips can you give me to wake up? I hear you say… Well don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Gain a purpose
Did you know that by getting up just two hours earlier every single day, you gain 14 more hours in the week and 62 each month? Imagine the kind of progress you could make with that extra time. Become clear with how it will be spent and how this can move you closer to your short/long-term goals.
Become clear with why you are getting up
What do you plan to achieve by getting up earlier? Have this list right next to you. If the reason you are getting up is so important to you, nothing should get in your way of achieving it.
Go to bed early
7-8 hours sleep is essential for the body to function the next day. Waking up earlier is going to be so much easier if you are well rested. If you want to wake up 2 hours earlier than usual, go to bed 2 hours earlier. Put your phone out of reach when you go to bed. This means that when the alarm rings you physically have to get up to turn it off in the morning (I found this one helped a lot).
So then Mollie, are you more successful from going to bed early? (I can hear you already!)
Whilst I can’t say that it’s made me more successful, I can say it’s made me more productive (and tired post 9pm!).. It’s something that I have found adds value to my life and I’ll be adding in into my weekday routine. In the meantime my weekends are saved for lie ins and no alarms!
What does your morning routine look like and has getting up earlier made you more successful? Comments below..