Just looking at that gif makes me tired!
I know how wonderful it feels to stay in your warm bed as long as possible… especially if it’s still dark outside.
But waking up at 6:00 AM or earlier has so many benefits.
I wasn’t always a morning person. I used to enjoy staying up past midnight and sleeping until 11:00 AM. But let me tell you, I’m so glad I changed that habit!
WHY should you start waking up at 6:00 AM you ask? Let me give you some of the best benefits that waking up earlier has for your mind, body and soul.
Go to sleep earlier
Okay, to some this might not seem like a benefit. However, going to bed at a decent time (yes, definitely before midnight) will allow you to wake up earlier while still getting the amount of sleep your body and mind needs to function properly.
Having a regular and healthy sleep cycle really is crucial to how each day will be.
Healthy breakfast
It’s not a myth, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Eating a healthy breakfast kickstarts your metabolism, which helps you burn your calories during the day. Eating a healthy breakfast also gives you the energy that you need to do and feel your best all day long.
Before I started waking up earlier, I would skip breakfast because I wouldn’t allow myself the time to eat before going to work. On the weekends, I would skip breakfast all together because I would sleep end up sleeping through it and waking for lunch.
Increased energy + productivity
Many of the most successful people report that they wake up before 6:00 AM. Have you ever heard the line “the early bird gets the worm?” It’s true!
Not only is your brain most alert in the morning – but there are way less distractions in the morning when the rest of the world is sound asleep.
This might sound odd, but my favorite time to get work done or household chores finished is on Saturday and Sunday mornings. I actually enjoy waking up bright and early on the weekends to watch the sunset and get things done before everyone else wakes up.
It just feels like a great start to my day.
You’ll be more organized
Seriously! Picture yourself when your last alarm goes off… you can’t hit snooze anymore or else you’ll literally be late for work.
You rush in and out of the shower, rush getting dressed and ready (I hate this, nothing worse than having no time to get ready and feeling like you look sluggish all day) and rush out of the house to get to work on time. Without eating breakfast, I might add – remember that’s the most important meal of the day you’re missing out on!
Waking up earlier gives you the time to be organized in the morning and rid yourself of that yucky rushed feeling.
You’re less likely to forget anything and more likely to feel ready and dressed for success because you actually had the time to prepare for your day.
Quiet time is sooo good for the soul
Like I mentioned before, I love waking up early when the rest of the world is sound asleep.
There’s a real appreciation that you can gain for the peacefulness of a quiet morning to yourself.
For example, when I was younger and lived with my parents, I remember thinking my mom was crazy for waking up at 5:00 AM only to sit in her recliner, sip her coffee, and read the newspaper.
But now I understand why she did that… that quiet time is like no other. It’s a great time to be alone with your thoughts and maybe sneak in some meditation for a great day.
Maybe the least exciting but one of the most important… Exercise
Most of us are not fond of exercising. I’m sure not, but I’m working on it.
Waking up early gives you the opportunity to get in a quick 20-minute workout before showering and starting your day.
If you try to go for a run or hit the gym after a long day… chances are the little devil on your shoulder will win the fight and you’ll go home to your couch instead – because let’s face it, that sounds great.
Exercising in the morning is a great habit to have because it really kickstarts your day and gets you up, motivated, and energized.
Have I convinced you yet?? Waking up early can actually be amazing and might be just the change you need in your life.
This can be a difficult change to make, but it’s possible and so worth it! Here are a few quick tips to help you join that 6:00 AM Club:
- Start slowly – If you normally wake up at 9:00 AM, don’t switch to 6:00 AM right away. Start getting up a half hour early each day and ease into it.
- Go to sleep earlier! Sounds obvious but I just had to throw it out there. If you’re waking up earlier, you neeeeed to go to sleep earlier to keep a healthy sleep cycle.
- Put your phone down and try reading a book in bed. Studies show that being on your phone before bed can actually make it harder to fall asleep once you put it down. Find a book that sounds interesting to you. Once you get through a few pages, you’ll likely feel sleepy.
- Make sure you want it… If you don’t believe waking up earlier will actually improve your day to day life, you won’t have the willpower to make the change. Remind yourself of all the benefits of getting up earlier and remember the things you’ll have time to do and enjoy before starting your day.
- Step out of bed! If you alarm is right next to your bed, it can be so easy to just hit snooze and fall back asleep. Don’t do that! Set your alarm or phone (if you use your phone alarm) on the other side of the room so that you are forced to get out of bed to shut it off. Why not stay up and start your day since you’re already out of bed anyways?
Feeling motivated yet??
Join that 6:00 AM Club, girl!