For some people, mornings can be a real challenge - the annoying sound of a beeping alarm clock triggers a bad mood, while just the idea of hauling yourself out of bed seems like a formidable hurdle. If you happen to be one of these people, and waking up seems like an impossible task, learning about the amazing health benefits enjoyed by early birds may be just what you need to kick start a new approach to your daily routine.
The well-worn expression, ‘the early bird gets the worm,’ couldn’t be any closer to the truth. The Journal of Applied Social Psychology conducted a study which concluded that early risers are proactive, have advanced problem-solving skills, and are confident go-getters who take more of a hands-on approach to work and life. Another study undertaken by the University of Birmingham in the UK found that early risers can “significantly improve elements of performance, and sleep timing in the real world.” Science supports the notion that, if you want to take your life and success to the next level, you have to take advantage of the mornings. There are so many benefits to waking up early as you can get more out of each day and live a truly fulfilling life.
So, let’s get down to some of the real, tangible advantages of being an early bird. While the benefits are numerous, we will highlight those that can help boost your productivity, health, and well-being.
Healthier Eating Habits
More Physically Active
Early birds are more physical and active beings by nature. The feel of the morning seems to bring about a certain vibrant energy that encourages those who experience it to become more mobile as well. They tend to be more focused on fitness and are likely to adopt strict workout regimens. Studies show that working up a sweat in the morning is one of the best ways to feel energized and prepared for your day. It also helps to increase your metabolism throughout the day, which burns more calories and helps you to resist junk food cravings while choosing healthier options.
Statistics show early birds lean toward healthier eating habits and have a more balanced eating schedule in comparison to their late rising counterparts. According to a study conducted by the National Institute for Health and Welfare in Helsinki, Finland there is a strong link associated with unhealthy food and nutrient intake among night owls as compared to early birds.
We’ve all heard the saying, ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day,’ but how true is it? The Harvard Medical School reports that eating a nutritious breakfast is extremely important, as it provides energy to help prevent a mid-morning slump, as well as nutrients that lead to increased concentration. Moreover, the early riser tends to consume fewer empty calories and sugar-filled snacks and is unlikely to adhere to unhealthy eating patterns. A good option to achieve a nutritious breakfast is with a protein-rich smoothie bowl added to your routine made with Biochem’s protein powder.
A Time to Meditate And Plan
Waking up early can give you time to focus on you. Perhaps you’ll choose to meditate or plan out your day before work, read the morning paper, go for a walk, or hit the gym. It is behaviors like these that set you up for increased productivity throughout your day.
Better Mental Health
It has been shown that early birds often have better mental health than those who roll out of bed later in the day. A study by the University of Toronto found early risers are statistically happier than the rest of the population. As we all know, sleep deprivation, a common trait of night owls and those who operate on imbalanced sleeping schedules, may be detrimental to mental health and takes a toll on our moods throughout the day.
Develop More Discipline
Deciding to wake up early, and actually get up, is the first decision of your day. If you get up when you intended to the night before, you are keeping an important promise you made to yourself. Starting your day with discipline will help lead to discipline in other areas of your life like your relationships, health, and most definitely your work life.