I know mornings are hard to love but if you can learn to love mornings, you'll find you can love much more than that. That being said, I have the utmost respect for people that roll out of bed at 12:30 pm and there is nothing wrong with that. The most important thing is that we're all getting the proper amounts of rest our bodies need to hit the ground running.
That being said, for all of you morning people out there or anyone wanting to become a morning person, there are so many amazing benefits that come from waking up early.
1. Pancakes and eggs and bacon, oh my!
Breakfast has always been my favorite meal of the day. I would eat breakfast food for every meal if it was available. I'm no doctor but how many studies have you seen talking about how important it is to eat breakfast in the morning? We live in a society that is so fast pace and because of this, we are forced to cut things from our morning routines just to keep up. For most of us, breakfast is the first thing to go.
When you wake up early, you have time to prepare a healthy breakfast that gives you the energy you need to get through the day.
2. Coffee.
Everyone's favorite drug. I love waking up to the smell of coffee brewing. Of course, when you are rushing out the door in the morning, you don't get to stop and take in the sweet aroma. Instead of running through the Starbucks drive-through and spending money that you don't have on a to-go cup of coffee, wake up early enough to brew a pot of your own.
3. You have time to give back to yourself.
It is so important to listen to what your body is telling you but when you are so caught up in the rapid pace of the day, you don't have time to listen to it. I swear time moves slower in the morning. Exercise, meditation, listening to Spotify's "Have a Great Day" playlist, all of these are great ways to reduce stress and start your day relaxed and ready to go.
4. Sunrises.
Nothing beats a good sunrise. There is so much potential for the day that lies ahead. Each sunrise is so enchanting. Of course, when you sleep in, you're missing out on the divine masterpiece of mother nature. You can watch a sunrise anywhere in the world, it's a moment we can all share, you don't want to miss out on that.
5. No one else is awake.
Coming to college made me realize how important quiet time truly is. You can use the time you have alone in the morning to set goals for your day, leave your house early and beat traffic or schedule an appointment. Since next to no one is awake, the possibilities are endless.
Of course, to do all of this, you have to wake up early. I know, it's not going to be easy but I can guarantee it will be worth it. Start by easing yourself into it and just waking up 15 minutes earlier than normal. Each week, push it up 15 more minutes and before you know it, you'll be bright eyed and bushy tailed by 6:00 am.
Think of a life in which you look forward to waking up in the morning instead of longing for the next time you can hop into bed. I think all of us could use a little joy in our day so take some time to do it.