“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
When my four children were small and the house was chaotic I continued to rise early. It was quiet, peaceful and still. I used that time to pray, meditate or journal.
I also quit smoking and began early morning runs which I’ve continued over the years. Even when the girls were in high school I would sneak out at 5 am, drive to the bike path, and rollerblade 5 miles out and back before returning home to make breakfast.
1. Me time. Too many people are afraid of being alone with them selves. You have an opportunity to go inward and get to know yourself. The first thing you do in the morning will influence you entire day. Choose to get quiet and plan a great day for yourself
2. Nature. Go outside even if it’s your on deck or back porch for a few minutes. Sit and breathe in the fresh air. As a child in the fields I viewed the air as fresher, the wet dew a wonder and the spider webs miraculous. Nature is healing, find yourself in it.
3. Exercise. You “make” more time in the day by rising early so use it wisely. Obesity is a problem. Half of the answer to the problem is exercise. You are more likely to do it early in the day. Doing it repeatedly at the same time makes it a habit. Some of the most inspiring and beautiful times of my life have come from my early morning runs. It’s an opportunity to work out problems and plan my day.
4. Rising early teaches discipline, useful in every area of your life. You feel good about yourself and your day which in turn again impacts the rest of your day. The extra time gives you an edge on productivity. What would you do if you had 2 or 3 extra hours a day? Now multiply that times 365 days. Amazing isn’t it? There is more time to read, play and enjoy your friends and family.
5. You become healthier. You have less stress due to increased health and self awareness. You become a happier and kinder person.
6. Your setting a good example. If you have children they will live what they learn. It’was diffiuclt for me to find alone time with of my kids. Because I rose early I would take one at a time out for an early breakfast and catch up on what was going on in their lives.
7. You have more time for hobbies. If you want to become a good writer morning is a good time to write. I know a doctor who wrote a book by getting up a couple hours early and write during his extra time. What activity would you take up if you knew you could create extra time for yourself?
8. You don’t have to rush. If you go to bed late and wake early there is no time to prepare. Things go smoothly because there is time to get things ready, prepare breakfast and bring order to your househole.
How to be an early riser:
Give yourself a compelling reason to rise early. It is a gift to you, it is self-honoring.
Put your alarm clock away from your bed. Once you get out of bed do not return! I brush my teeth and put on my running clothes and head out. The longest distance is between my feet and the door!
Wind down by reading a book or listening to music. Turn of the television, especially the news before going to bed.
Go to bed when you’re tired and not a minute before. You probably don’t require all of the sleep you’re getting.
Wake up at the same time daily. Sretch. Smile. Remember this routine will change your life.
Avoid eating and drinking prior to bedtime. Stop the negative thoughts when you awaken. Choose to be grateful to be alive, to have a new day and a new beginning.
Rising early doesn’t have to be a chore. Shift your perception. Refuse to complain. Speak to others who do it. Begin now and you’ll wonder why it took you so long!
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
You write very well.
Thanks for the compliment and I hope you visit often! Tess
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Nice…I like your perspective. Thanks for the article! My goal for 2010 is to become an early riser and I’ll be applying your tips closely.
.-= Jesse´s last post…Grumpy Old Men And Their Newspapers =-.
Another great post on getting up early. We have a lot in common.
.-= Tammy McLeod´s last post…5 in the morning =-.