Everyone, including my mom, proclaims waking up early is a good idea. There’s even a saying, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” I know the struggle, the alarm clock goes off and you know you should get out of bed…but you don’t. Instead you ask “Why?” and not finding a good reason, you return to your dream. Well, here are 5 good reasons to wake up early.
1. Breakfast
Breakfast is not only the most important meal of the day, it’s also the most skipped. A nutritious breakfast improves our concentration and performance in the classroom or the workplace. Waking up to cook breakfast also starts us off in a good mood. Maybe that’s just me. For me, the smell of bacon and sausage takes me back to my grandparent’s house, which always puts me in a good mood.
2. Exercise
Exercising in the morning gives us a boost of energy and helps us fall asleep at night. If you are having problems sleeping at night or staying alert during the day, try working out a little in the morning.
3. More Productive
Jon Acuff created a club called 5Club with his book Start. It’s a group of people who wake up at 5 am in order to work on their dreams. They claim 5 am for themselves. The kids are asleep and their job does not start for hours. What’s your dream? If you’re having trouble finding time to pursue that dream then I recommend carving out some time in the morning just for your dream. I try to write in the morning before work. Because of this, I feel much better throughout the day. As Jon Acuff would say, “Wake up and punch fear in the face.”
4. Quiet Time with God
Having a quiet time with God in the morning is the best investment you can make on your day. It positions you for success before you even walk out the door. Something amazing happens when you spend time with the Father, you leave feeling refreshed, loved, and understood. How different would your day at work or school be if you walked in knowing you were loved unconditionally, and completely understood by the creator of the universe? Very different. Make a smart investment on your day and spend some time with the one who loves you.
5. Making Your Bed
My torts professor told us we would have a better day if we’d make up our beds in the morning. I normally wouldn’t listen to this advise, but coming from a very successfully man who has numerous houses, including one in New Zealand, I decided to hear him out. His reasoning is if we make up our beds in the morning, as soon as we wake up, then we’ve already accomplished something, though very small. It gives us a since of accomplishment before we even leave our bedroom. (If you’re married then please wait for your spouse to wake up before making up the bed.) Plus, when you return at night to fall asleep, you’ll be more comfortable and sleep better. I know this sounds crazy but why not give it a shot? Make this a part of your routine in the morning. What do you have to lose?
One of law professors showed this video to one of her classes. I think you’ll like it.
