How Getting Up Early Can Improve Your Health
By Genevieve Cunningham
The early bird gets the worm. You’ve undoubtedly heard this before. Getting up early has long been considered a healthy way to start the day. But in our modern world, this is becoming harder and harder to do. Video games, Netflix binges, and technology are just a few of the reasons that we’re staying up later than ever before. But what if this obsession with late nights is actually harming our health? If you’re ready to quit this bad habit and improve your health all at once, take a look at these reasons to wake up early every day.
Gives You Time for a Healthy Breakfast
You’ve probably been told many times before that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Why? Because it sets the tone for the day, fuels your body with energy, and kickstarts your metabolism. If you begin with a healthy, well balanced meal, your body and mind will function in a more efficient way. But when you wake up at the last minute, rush to get dressed, and hurry to work, you probably barely have time for a Pop-Tart, much less something healthy. Wake up a little bit early, and you can eat a healthy meal without rushing out the door and starting your day in an unhealthy panic.
Gives Your Mind Some Waking Up Time
You know that wonderful winding down feeling at the end of the day? Maybe you come home from work, watch some TV, read a book, or just enjoy some alone time. That feeling helps you de-stress and prepare for the next day. Amazingly, you can get that feeling in the morning as well. Waking up early, especially if you do it before anyone else, gives you some winding up time. It gives the mind a chance to wake up slowly and alleviates that morning stress that comes when you sleep too late. It gives you some quiet alone time to prepare yourself for the day ahead. If your mornings look a little more Home Alone than you would prefer, waking up a little earlier might be a good (and healthy!) idea.
Makes You More Productive
Numerous research studies have shown that those who wake up early are more productive throughout the day. Their minds are able to get ready before they even reach their workplace front doors. They have quicker reflexes, longer attention spans, and more bursts of focus and creativity. Bottom line? If you want to be more productive, waking up early might be worth a shot.
Breaking the late night habit is tough. It’s a habit that suits some people better … and yet research continues to show a connection between early birds and a healthier life. Making the adjustment from late nights to early mornings might be tough, but for the chance at better health, it might be worth the effort.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Worth, Tex.