Being an early bird has several benefits, including increased productivity and efficiency. If you want to skip stressful starts to the day and become a morning person, it only takes some small changes to your routine.
Here, Winnipeg health and fitness coach Gabriel Patterson covers five tips to improve your ability to wake up feeling rested and ready to start the day.
Develop a consistent sleep routine
The circadian rhythm is a genuine part of human development. We perform and feel much better when we get adequate, consistent sleep. While we are likely to have some extended night-time hours on the weekends, it is essential to have a reasonably regular bedtime for the nights when it is important to be up and productive the following morning.
Hydration is also an often overlooked part of proper sleep. Be sure to have a glass of water before bed and try waking up with a glass of cool water in the morning. Your brain will thank you, and it will help you develop a stable sleep pattern.
Make your morning initiation enjoyable
Give yourself some valuable ‘me time’ as soon as you wake up. Whether you enjoy a hot shower or your first cup of coffee, give yourself a routine of things you enjoy doing before you begin the actual work of the morning. You might want to check the news or your social media feed when you get up and going, or you may check sports scores and highlights.
Reading and journalling are also great relaxing activities to try before the workday begins. Whatever your routine is, you will find that some enjoyable time for yourself is well worth the effort of getting up a little early and will give you a better outlook during the day.
Exercise early
A solid workout in the morning will get the endorphins pumping along with your blood and will give your mind a good boost for the day. Early exercise also promotes better sleep at bedtime. Any exercise during the day will help you get better sleep at night.
Many studies have shown that early exercise leads to body temperature patterns that lead to stable and lower body temperatures at night-time.
Make your bedroom the place for sleep
When your bedroom becomes a hub of activity, your sleep will suffer, and you will not be as refreshed and ready to go in the morning. Avoid working in bed or spending time watching TV or videos once you are between the sheets. Try keeping your phone somewhere across the room and away from your bed.
Also, if you keep your bedroom relatively organised and tidy, you will find that it is not much of a chore to quickly make your bed when you wake up. Then, you can immediately enjoy a pleasant and clean room.
Schedule enjoyable meetings early in your day
Breakfast is a very underrated time for social meetings. You will be amazed at how enjoyable early morning meetings with friends for coffee, food, and conversation can be. Spending time with someone you enjoy before the stress of the workday gets started is an excellent way to enhance your mood and start the day with a smile. Regular breakfast meetings will give you additional encouragement to get your day started early and on an upbeat note.
About Gabriel Patterson
Gabriel Patterson, of Winnipeg, is a certified personal trainer and advocate for a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Gabriel supports his clients as they revamp their health and fitness routines. Mr Patterson focuses his efforts on helping his clients rebound from sports-related injuries, build a solid foundation in fitness, and reach new heights.
His passion for living a productive and active lifestyle has led Mr. Patterson to educate his clients about the importance of regular exercise and incorporating a nutrient-dense diet. When he is not supporting his clients to become their best selves, Gabriel Patterson can be found spending time with his friends and family in Winnipeg.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the founder of Psychreg. He is also the editor-in-chief of Psychreg Journal Psychology, and writes a weekly column for Free Malaysia Today.
