Rise and Shine! The Benefits of Waking Up Earlier

You’re stressed. You’re overworked. You haven’t been able to check anything off your to-do list for weeks. You’re feeling unhealthy, unmotivated, exhausted.

It’s time to lay your anxiety to rest — literally — and start waking up earlier.

We’ve all heard the famous Benjamin Franklin quote: "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” But how many of us follow his advice? How many of us have actually tried to set our alarms a few hours earlier than normal?

We’re not going to lie — it will be extremely tough at first to wake up at the crack of dawn. But the benefits of doing so are worth the few weeks it might take for your body to acclimate fully to a new sleep schedule.

But these six benefits of waking up earlier are not to be ignored.

1. You’re more likely to eat a well-balanced breakfast.

Gone are the days of the grab and go. With those extra hours, you will have time to prepare and cook a tastier and healthier morning meal. Early to bed, early to rise, ready to nourish your body.

2. You're likely to be more productive.

According to a study published in Journal of Applied Social Psychology, people who wake up early tend to be more productive than those who sleep in. Early risers are also more confident, positive and assertive. Early to bed, early to rise, ready to succeed.

3. You’re more likely to exercise.

With those extra hours at the start of your day, you may finally have that time you’ve been missing in your routine to exercise regularly. Early to bed, early to rise, ready to work out.

4. You’re more likely to sleep better.

Sleep experts believe that setting your sleep cycle so you fall asleep earlier and wake up earlier puts your body more in tune with Earth’s circadian rhythms. Doing so offers more restorative and deeper sleep. Early to bed, early to rise, ready to feel refreshed.

5. You’re more likely to procrastinate less.

According to a study published in The Journal of General Psychology, those who go to bed later and wake up later are more likely to procrastinate than those who go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. Early to bed, early to rise, ready to tackle that to-do list.

6. You’re more likely to experience better mental health.

Whether you use those extra hours in the morning to meditate, read a book, catch up on the news or just get ready for the day ahead, your mental health gets a much-needed breather. Early to bed, early to rise, ready to reflect.