Benjamin Franklin’s famous line, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise,” still holds relevance today. Many successful individuals, including CEOs like Tim Cook and Richard Branson, swear by an early start to their day, dedicating the time to exercise and plan priorities. While a productive early morning routine may seem impossible for those who sleep late either by choice or by compulsion. However, it is just the mindset that needs to be changed.
How ‘Early’ is actually ‘Early”?
What does ‘early’ mean to you? A person who gets to sleep at 11;00 pm cannot be expected to get up at 5:00 am fresh and alert! The term ‘early’ varies from person to person as getting enough sleep is equally important. The key lies in being consistent. A person who has to leave for work at 10:00 am can easily wake up at 7:00 am, follow a fitness routine and then get ready for work. On the other hand, someone who leaves for work at 8:00 am needs to be up and about at 5:00 to be ready on time. Here are some useful strategies that can be followed for a consistent morning routine.
Go to Bed Early – Sleep at such a time so as to get a good six to eight hours of sound sleep. It all depends on when you return home or finish all your chores but decide on one time and try to follow it religiously. This will help you maintain a morning schedule as per your convenience.
Develop a Morning Routine – Fill your morning routine with things that make you happy and motivate you to get out of bed each day. This could be anything, from a brisk walk in the garden to spending a few minutes with your pet.
Use Lighting Strategically – Light has a powerful influence on our circadian rhythm. Studies further reveal that light has a greater effect on night owls, as when they are exposed to natural light, their body clock shifts earlier. Therefore, exposure to bright light in the morning, makes them wake up earlier.
Remember- Incorporating evening habits like reducing caffeine intake and screen time, alongside using sleep tracking apps such as Sleep Cycle, can help night owls transition smoothly into a consistent, productive morning routine.
Conclusion
Our sleep-wake cycles are controlled by our circadian rhythm that follows a 24-hour schedule. However, ordinary lifestyle changes can help night owls wake up early to incorporate a healthy morning schedule.
