What if you had more time in your day? Even better, what if that time was super productive time? Well, according to Dan Ariely, a Duke University professor of psychology and behavioral economics, most of us have the highest cognitive function during the first two hours of the day after we are fully awake. So, your first hour should be used for something important—not checking emails.
There are other benefits to getting up earlier…
- You have more time to do something that you want to do such as meditate, exercise or journal. Sometimes these things get lost in our daily routines.
- Keeping a regular wake up time and bedtime helps you sleep better.
- You will have more energy and focus because you aren’t rushed through your morning routine.
- When you start working on something important at an earlier hour, there are fewer distractions or fires to put out.
- You have more time to do the important things that will get you to your real goals.
I know what you’re thinking, it’s easier said than done! Well, here are a few tips that will help you get out of bed in the morning.
- Set two alarms. Set one to wake you up and a second one to tell you it’s time to get up. Give yourself about 10 minutes to fully wake up before getting out of bed.
- Once the second alarm goes off, count to five backwards—1-2-3-4-5. When you get to five, don’t even think about it, just get up. (Mel Robbins, The Five Second Rule)
- Turn off electronics an hour before bed.
- Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier until you are at your desired wake up time.
- Plan your day the night before so that you know what you are going to do right when you wake up.
- If you plan something enjoyable first thing in the morning, you will want to get up.
- Be consistent on the weekends.
Let me know if you decide to do this, and how it goes!