Is Getting Up Early Good For Your Mental Health?

They say the early bird catches the worm. They also say you are either a morning person or a night owl. But, how true is this?  

It may only be when you start to experience mental health difficulties that you start to explore every aspect of your routine and your life to see what positive changes could be made to make a difference to your mental health.  Research shows getting up earlier is the first step in making positive changes to your life.  

Here is why: 

Take control 

You may not be a morning person and some of us just genuinely aren't. However, knowing the positive impacts of being an early riser can and should make us want to change our minds.  

When you get stuck in the mindset of "I'm just not a morning person" you almost become resigned to the fact that this is just life. Take control, make a conscious decision to break that habit for the positive impact it will have on your well being.  

Not playing catch up 

If you have ever slept it out or forgot to set your alarm you will know the anxiety you feel when you do jump up. The dart to get out the door and how that feeling of catching up lasts all day long. Think of that every time you go to press snooze. It is just not worth it. 

Book lying open on bed.
Getting up when your first alarm goes off is empowering and limits your anxiety, helping you feel ready to take on the day.

Getting up when your alarm sounds is empowering 

If getting up early or the first sound of your alarm sparks your anxiety, pressing snooze and delaying the inevitable is only going to contribute to more anxiety. Getting up when your first alarm goes off is empowering and limits your anxiety, helping you feel ready to take on the day. 

Start as you mean to go on 

There is nothing better than enjoying that first cup of coffee in the morning. If possible try to have it outside, listen to the birds and list three things that you're grateful for.  

Experts say how you spend your first hour of the day sets the tone for your entire day. Starting it relaxed and taking your time will only benefit you for the whole day.  Give yourself a bit of extra time in the mornings and watch how it positively benefits your entire day. 

Laura Doyle

Mum of four, Gentle parent living on coffee and trying always to stay positive and motivate in the midst of the madness.

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