Whilst it is second nature to me, waking as the sun rises comes as a burden to many. But there are many benefits to take from rising with the morning light.
5:00am, wake up, open my blinds, walk to the kitchen to make my lemon water, *purely because I enjoy this routine, no health benefits associated aside from additional hydration* (the health professional in me needed that little disclaimer), stretch and write my list of to do's and desires for my day ahead.
Welcome to my religious upon waking ritual. Regardless of my anxiety levels and the day ahead, this routine will always add a feeling of security and stimulate productivity.
1. Chronobiology: The Study of Circadian Rhythm
Physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a 24 hour cycle. Natural processes of which respond to light and dark, affecting most living organisms; including animals, plants and microbes.
This natural internal process works to regulate our sleep-wake cycle, an internal clock if you will. Responsive to light, rising with the sun routinely allows the brains desire to regulate our natural sleep-wake cycle. From this, increased alertness and restorative processes are stimulated.
Creating a routine of waking, getting into sunlight and moving within that 5am - 6am bracket will ignite out internal clock regulation, stimulating alertness and decrease the lethargy and resentment that comes with the constant snoozing of an alarm.... we've all been there. Instead lavish this circadian rhythm to rewire your morning, embrace your cortisol awakening response (CAR) upon waking and purpose it towards morning productivity.
2. More Time for Movement
Rising earlier creates more time in our day. More time to get shit done, and thus more space for movement.
Making regular movement a priority, no matter the form, is instrumental to our overall health and wellbeing. And yes, whilst I may be biased in opinion due to my studies, science is science. Regular movement, 150min per week to be straight, has been proven to activate our brain's reward system, increasing brain connectivity, improving mood and concentration, and decreasing depressive symptoms.
Encouraging an earlier start allows more time within our days, so whether you are a morning sweater or an afternoon wind-downer, there is greater chance and potential for exercise and movement.
3. Increased Productivity
Enter the queen of procrastination....
Having completed all of my schooling and an science dominant degree, you would think I have the time management/productivity game perfected by now. Well, that could not be further from the truth. Whilst I pride myself in my work ethic and my many ambitions, there is such a thing as being overly ambitious. So much so that productivity becomes near impossible.
This is where early starts became heaven sent to achieving results and ticking things off. Allowing extra time in the morning, whether you are one for slow starts or get up and go, getting those tedious tasks completed first thing means the motivating work you want to get done takes up the bulk of your day, without the dreaded thoughts of those boring tasks lingering.
And this can also work in reverse, I personally wake up feeling so inspired and excited to do my passion projects, the work that brings my heart joy, and I love to get up a little earlier, sip on my long black and fuel my brain with the excitement my creative ambitions brings.
4. Wellness and Self - Care
Life is busy. And whilst we all love the adrenaline of that daily hustle, slowing is imperative to the sustenance of our lives. But for some reason, busy and stressed is glamourised. To the extent that we feel less worthy, less valued, and just not good enough when we cannot say we had the busiest day/week/month.
Having experienced chronic adrenal fatigue, I am admittedly guilty of this. And I cannot stress enough how dangerous and detrimental this is to our mental and physical performance.
There is beauty that comes when rising with the sun, hearing the birds waken, seeing the morning light. Within this time, it creates opportunity to practice grounding; getting into nature first thing in the morning, washing your face, sitting down with your favourite morning beverage. The simple things that make you feel alive, calm, grounded. Practicing self - care and grounding increases the wellness we allow ourselves to experience, without the stressful feeling of trying to enforce these practices.
With the immense lifestyle and personal benefits earlier waking brings, why not give it a go? Take this step to re-route your lifestyle and become the best you possibly can in all aspects. Make yourself a priority and do this for you.
-Love Always, Ange xx
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