For many of us, getting up early in the morning is not exactly the easiest thing to do. When your alarm goes off, you feel like that additional hour of sleep will go a long way. But when you consider some of the benefits of waking up early, you might just decide that the extra time in the morning is worth it.

The positive benefits seen from starting your day earlier can stretch across your health, productivity, and mindset. In fact, it can be a life changer. Let’s take a look at some of the ways getting up early is a great idea.

A Fantastic Start to Your Day

There’s no arguing the fact that it feels much better to start your day calm and well rested. By waking up early, you give yourself the time to get all your morning activities done with no rush. The extra time in the morning will allow you to shake off the AM grogginess and ease into the start of your day.

You can make breakfast, get yourself ready for work, get the kids ready for school, and follow your morning routine without feeling as if you are in a hurry. Which means less yelling, scrambling, forgetting, and stumbling to get it all done.

Imagine turning into work grumpy and scruffy because of how many tasks you had to fit into such little time. But if you wake up early, you’ll be calm and ready to take on the day with no stress.

Better Mood

Starting your day off in a more leisurely pace will definitely lift your mood. But did you know early risers are happier than night owls? It’s true! A University of Toronto study showed morning people actually report higher levels of happiness. Wouldn’t you rather start the day in a good mood? I’d say that’s something worth waking up early for.

Being on Time

You know those days when you barely make it by the skin of your teeth to work, daycare, school or the gym? Or even worse, those days when you’re flat out late? Waking up early each day gives you more time to ease into your day. When you start at a calmer pace and when you’re not rushing, you’re less likely to forget something. And you’ll have enough time to get to where you need to be when you’re supposed to be there.

Maintaining a Healthy Diet

We’ve heard it many times, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. As an early bird, you have all the time to put together a healthy breakfast meal, unlike the late risers who grab whatever is most convenient, healthy or not, gobble it up as quickly as possible or on the run, or skip the meal altogether (gasp!)

Skipping breakfast can be the gateway to unhealthy eating habits. When you don’t fuel your body well, you start to feel hungry, and suddenly those chips and doughnuts in the break room stop feeling like a bad idea. If this is your norm, over time, it could lead to serious health issues.

Time to Exercise

One of the most common excuses people give for skipping out on exercising is, “I don’t have time.” Consider this: you will never have time if you don’t consciously create it. By waking up early, you have the time to squeeze in a morning workout session.

For many, mornings are the best time to work out because it leaves you energized, more focused, and in a much better mood for the day ahead. According to the Harvard Medical School’s journal, exercise triggers your brain to release a chemical which boosts brain function. Hence, you feel more motivated and productive after a morning workout.

Increased Productivity

If you struggle to get things done during the day, waking up early not only gives you more time to get things done, but it also makes you more productive. In the early hours, your mental capacity is higher, and you’re more focused.  So, it’s the ideal time to get things done. While the rest of the world is still in bed, you are already getting a head start on the day.

In the morning, you can focus on essential tasks without distractions – no noise from neighbors, loud office mates, or crying kids. Besides, the brain is usually more active in the mornings. You can make decisions more clearly and complete tasks much quicker.

Early Riser or Night Owl?

As Tim Ferriss of the best-selling book 4-Hour Work Week says, “Win the morning, win the day.” Now that you know the benefits of waking up early, maybe it’s time to consider becoming an early riser.

Do you like to get up early or sleep in? Share in the comments.