Benefits of waking up early
Jun 12, 2017
Rising early isn’t just linked to your actual health but to how you feel about yourself
Experience a greater degree of proactiveness
If you wake up early in the morning, you are likelier to be proactive. Researchers define proactiveness as the "willingness and ability to take action to change a situation to one's advantage." So an early riser is more likely to plan long-term goals for themselves and make things happen. The drive to bring this change is greater than in someone who rises late or is an evening person.
Feel more satisfaction, happiness, and positivity
Waking up early is linked to greater positive feelings. Morning people or larks have greater "positive affect," say researchers. Studies show a significant positive correlation between being a morning person and satisfaction and happiness - which simply means larks are more likely to be satisfied with their lives and be happier in general.
Lead a less sedentary life
Studies have found that waking up early might make you more active than those who wake up later. According to another study, night owls tend to be more sedentary and less inclined to fitness than early risers. This applies even to children! One study found that children who slept late and woke up late were more exhausted and sedentary than those who woke earlier.
Maintain a healthy weight and be healthier
Night owls are also at risk of greater weight gain. According to one study, sleeping late can cause you to consume more calories toward the end of the day. Those who sleep late also tend to eat less fruit and vegetables and indulge in more fast food than the average early risers. Being a night owl has also been found to increase the risk of obesity as well as other disorders and also predisposes you to weight gain.
Not a surprise considering you may not have the time to exercise if you have a busy life and are occupied late into the evening. On the other hand, if you wake up early, you'll find it's a great time to exercise free of distraction. Even if you can fit in a refreshing half-hour walk outdoors, yoga, or a quick workout at home or the gym, you'll do your body a world of good. Night birds, as opposed to early risers, tended to be more at risk of cardiovascular problems and gastrointestinal disorders as well as cerebrovascular ailments.
Score better grades
You may do better with certain tasks if you wake up early. In one study, university students who labelled themselves early risers or "morning people" had better grades than those who woke up later.
Face a lower chance of depression and psychological ailments
Late rising linked to "eveningness" as opposed to "morningness" has been shown to be linked to raised risk of bulimic behaviour, depression, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Reduce your risk with some early morning perspective.
Feel more healthy!
Rising early isn't just linked to your actual health but to how you feel about yourself. It may actually make you feel you are leading a more healthy life! As one study found, those who slept early and woke up early in the morning had higher self-assessed health ratings. With a better perception of yourself as far as health is concerned, you might even be more motivated to stay healthy and keep up the good work!