The Joys of Waking Up on the Right Side of the Bed Everyday: Guest Perspective
Guest Post by Emma Banks

It’s not easy to change your sleep habits.

If you’re a night owl, being a morning person might sound like torture.

It may not be easy, but there are some serious benefits to rising with the sun.

Once I started getting up early, I never wanted to go back.

Stay alert

The Joys of Waking Up on the Right Side of the Bed Everyday: Guest Perspective
The early riser has time to let their body wake up instead of jarring it into activity as soon as the alarm sounds, allowing them to be more successful early on and get a leg up on the competition. How? These early birds have given themselves the proper amount of time to wake fully and become alert, while everyone else remains in a fog of sleep.

It’s important to remember that the more times you hit the snooze button in the morning, the less time your body has to become fully alert after waking. Avoid spending your first few hours of work in doze; get up early!

Give yourself some “me time”

The Joys of Waking Up on the Right Side of the Bed Everyday: Guest Perspective
Even if you don’t typically have any pressing matters to deal with in the morning, you can still use this time to your advantage. Use those quiet a.m. hours as a time for some meditation and relaxation or, as I like to call it, “me time.”

Personally, once the kids are awake, I’m in go-mode and can kiss any time to myself goodbye. Meditate, write your thoughts in journal or even try some simple yoga poses, if you’ve managed to get moving before the morning rush, do anything you can to relieve a little stress. I like to sit, relax and enjoy some quiet time.

Skeptical? Think about the last time you sat down, closed your eyes and just enjoyed some alone time. I bet it was a long time ago.

Get moving

The Joys of Waking Up on the Right Side of the Bed Everyday: Guest Perspective
When you start your day a little earlier than usual, you can actually incorporate some exercise into your routine. Now, don’t panic; there are ways to prep your mind and body for this change if isn’t usually part of your routine. It just takes a little bit of practice to make it a habit.

If you’re looking to make things a little easier on yourself at first, try getting everything ready the night before, both for your workout, and whatever obligations follow it. Your morning will be a bit less stressful and scattered if you’ve planned ahead. Anything you can do ahead of time to make your morning smoother, do it. That way, when your alarm goes off, all you have to do is get up and get started.

“Since I started getting up early

before the kids, I have found time

to actually eat a real breakfast.”

Eat up!

The Joys of Waking Up on the Right Side of the Bed Everyday: Guest Perspective
If you’re going to incorporate a workout into your morning routine, you may actually end up eating twice in the morning, both before and after exercise. I know some people like to skip breakfast before a workout to avoid an upset stomach, but it’s a good idea to give your body some fuel to burn before hitting the grind. You can make yourself a quick, healthy smoothie. Or I’ve found some great lists of ideas for small, pre-workout snacks to help get you ready to go.

Following your workout, chances are you’re going to be pretty hungry again. Since I started getting up early before the kids, I’ve found time to actually eat a real breakfast. If you’re up early, you don’t have to grab something on the run or worse – not eat at all. Now you can sit down to a real breakfast that will refuel your body and get you ready for the day ahead. I’m not talking about something crazy like drinking eggs like Rocky, but a veggie omelet–or vegan breakfast alternatives like gluten-free pancakes and a fruit plate–will have you feeling like a champ all day.

My mornings usually conclude with a hot cup of tea. It’s smooth and has a little kick to help get the wheels turning right before my day begins. My kids got me a mug last year from Personal Creations for Mother’s Day last year. I love it because it’s the only cup large enough to help me drink my fill, and reminds me of my wonderful family.

The Joys of Waking Up on the Right Side of the Bed Everyday: Guest Perspective

Life can get pretty hectic at times, and we often lose sight of what’s important when we’re always busy rushing around. I’ve found that the greatest advantage to rising early is having the time to sit down and appreciate what I have in life. My hope is that you will find the same!

“The greatest advantage to rising early

is having the time to sit down and

appreciate what I have in life.”

About Emma Banks

A busy wife and mother of two, Emma Banks doesn’t have a lot of time to dedicate to a strict diet and workout regimen. Determined to keep her good health intact, she has learned a number of strategies that allow her to live a healthy, well-balanced life even with an extremely busy schedule.
Emma blogs at smileasithappens.blogspot.com

Are you an early riser?

Or is that on your wish list?

What do you love most about rising early?

Share your thoughts and experiences with us.