Home By Geneva >> 6 Key Benefits of Waking Up Earlier This Summer
Summer is here meaning you now have more daylight than usual to use to your advantage. What can you do to start better using your early morning hours?
6 Key Benefits of Waking Up Earlier This Summer
First and foremost, it is important to stick to a schedule and to prepare your body for a healthy transition to earlier mornings. Early to bed, early to rise is more than a cliche catchphrase – it’s a formula that can keep you energized even when you begin to wake up earlier. Be sure you are still getting enough sleep and make any changes in your schedule gradually.
Another way to smooth the transition is to create a bedtime routine to signal your body that it is time for sleep. Showering, reading a book, shutting off electronics, and a regular skincare routine can get you relaxed and ready for bed.
Once you have your bedtime routine set up, it’s time to optimize your morning routine. If you tend to wake up groggy and sluggish, changing things up can help you be more alert and productive first thing in the morning. So, what can an earlier alarm mean for you?
Morning Coffee or Breakfast – What better way to start your morning off right than with a cup of coffee and a healthy breakfast? Here is our favorite healthy breakfast sandwich recipe to set you up for a productive day. Not a meal person in the mornings? Try out our summer smoothies to pack in the nutrients!
Quiet Time to Yourself – Getting up early often means you’re waking up before the rest of the world. The early morning hours may be just what you need to enjoy a little personal quiet time or even start practicing some meditation. Want to start reading more or pick up a new hobby? Why not add it to your morning routine?
Exercise – If you’re one of the millions of people struggling to find a time to get active, we understand. Adding exercise to your morning routine can be a difficult change but it can also keep you distraction-free and help you beat the heat. Check out these tips for working out in the summer heat. Plus, working out first thing in the morning is a sure way to get your blood pumping when you’re feeling sluggish.
Chores and Projects – Another way to get some movement in is working on chores or projects around the house to start your day. Be mindful of those who may still be sleeping but this can be a great way to get ahead on your to-do list!
Get Ready – If you like looking your best for the day, waking up even 30-minutes earlier can give you the time you need to get ready. Picking out an outfit the day before and having a standard self-care routine is all you need to get started.
Beat Traffic – This final benefit may be all you need to be convinced to start waking up earlier. If you’re okay with leaving home earlier than normal, be prepared to miss some of the worst parts of early morning traffic. Stop by the gym, grab a coffee on the way, it may all be worth it to miss the worst traffic on your commute. You can even choose a greener mode of transportation by busing, walking, or biking to work.
Starting these habits in the summer when the sun is rising earlier can help you solidify them for the rest of the year.
