The Benefits of Being an Early Riser

By Stepy Kamei

We all know that one person who seems to have no problem rising right at dawn, cultivating a healthy morning routine, and getting tons of important tasks taken care of all before lunchtime. It may seem difficult to be an early riser, but the benefits of greeting the day so early can make it a very appealing lifestyle to lean into. Keep on reading to learn more about how you can benefit from waking up earlier each day -- and pick up some helpful tips on how to do so!

Why Early Risers are Often More Productive

Do you absolutely love the feeling of sleeping in a little later through the day -- but hate the feeling of rushing to get yourself ready to go once you're up and need to get to work, school, or another commitment? This may make it easier for you to work on waking up just a bit earlier. Many people find that when they have time in the morning to truly wake up and ease into the day, it's that much easier to be productive and

Becoming a Morning Person (Yes, It's Possible)

It might sound difficult, but yes, you absolutely can train your body and mind to start waking up earlier. The key lies in starting incrementally. For instance, if you tend to fall asleep around midnight every night and would like to aim for a 10:30 p.m. bedtime, start going to bed just 30 or even 15 minutes earlier each night, until you reach your target time. You can adjust the increments as needed, and you can stay at each increment for a few days at a time in order to adjust properly and gradually.

If you find yourself struggling to fall asleep at a decent time each night, creating a nighttime routine can be very helpful with this issue. Repeating a series of calming actions in the hour or so before bedtime can start signaling to your body and brain that it's time to start winding down for sleep. You can try practicing some light yoga, brewing a cup of herbal tea, taking a bath, or reading a book as some calming nighttime routines.

Next, it also helps to set yourself up for success first thing in the morning. Many people find it helpful to integrate some form of exercise or movement within the first hour or so of waking up, as this can help boost your energy levels and improve feelings of concentration and focus. You may want to consider sleeping in your workout clothes, or lying them out neatly so they're easy to put on in the morning. From here, you can practice yoga, go for a run, or engage in a cardio workout session before breakfast. You may find that it may be challenging to stick with this for the first few days, but if you commit to the habit, it'll soon become a part of your daily routine, and your mornings may feel more productive than ever before.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Monroe, La.