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Scientifically Proven Benefits of Waking Up Before Sunrise

They say the early bird catches the worm- what do you think about this quote? Does it have anything to do with our lifestyle or just a quote?

Have you ever wondered why people always emphasise going to bed early and waking up early? Is there some science behind it, or is it just something our parents tell us to keep us from being lazy and sleeping in until noon?

Well, it’s not just our parents or teachers; you’ll often come across articles promoting the same idea. 

So, what’s the deal? Have you ever taken a moment to think about it or questioned if there’s any validity to it? 

Let’s understand this in detail.

But first, let’s advocate for this quote out loud!

Wake Up Before Sun Rise

Usually, elders in families kickstart their day with the sunrise or even before, following cultural and religious beliefs in some places like India. But is there an ideal time to wake up?

Absolutely, yes!

Although it’s best to wake in Brahma muhurta, it is an auspicious period of 48 minutes that begins 1 hour 36 minutes before sunrise and ends 48 minutes before it.

But considering the modern lifestyle (fast & stressful), setting your alarm for at least 5 o’clock can make a difference! 

Let’s dig into why waking up early holds importance.

So what are the Benefits

To attain wisdom (by meditation & introspection): As the world rests in pre-dawn silence, it becomes a perfect backdrop for introspection. Meditation during this serene time allows you to explore your inner self, revealing insights often obscured by the noise of daily life. This internal contemplation helps develop wisdom and shapes one’s perspective, ultimately influencing one’s actions.

To improve memory & concentration (for students): The pre-dawn hours offer a haven for students grappling with a sea of information. Free from distractions, your mind can enter a hyper-focused state. Since memory consolidation is most effective during sleep, waking up refreshed primes your brain for absorbing and retaining new knowledge. 

For improving mental health (as the environment is calm & serene): The day’s chaos can impact mental well-being. Rising before the sun provides an escape from this chaos. As dawn breaks, a sense of peace envelops you. The quietude acts as a balm for anxiety, and the beauty of the awakening world lifts your mood. Immersing yourself in the stillness of nature nurtures your spirit and fosters a sense of groundedness. 

For improving working efficiency (by strengthening your mental focus & concentration):  The mental clarity gained from an early awakening translates into tangible benefits for your workday. Laser-sharp focus allows you to prioritise tasks efficiently, completing them in record time. Distractions fade away as you enter a flow state, maximising productivity. This newfound efficiency liberates you from the pressures of the to-do list, allowing you to enjoy your work and relish the satisfaction of accomplishment.

For Better Sleep: Our bodies are naturally wired to sleep after the sun sets and wake up before it rises. This is all thanks to our internal clock, or circadian rhythms, which follow the hormonal cycles that guide us to sleep in the dark and stay active in the daylight.

In the fast-paced world we live in today, our sleeping and waking habits have shifted from what nature intended.

However, returning to the natural rhythm nature sets can be a game-changer for our health.

It might take a few days for your internal clock to adjust to a new morning routine. Initially, you might find it challenging to fall asleep earlier and wake up groggy. But give it some time, and your sleep pattern will transform entirely for the better.

You Will Witness The Most Beautiful Sunrise Everyday: We often see people heading to the countryside or mountains to catch a beautiful sunrise, just like in the movies where characters make special plans.

The best part? You can enjoy this daily simply by waking up early. It brings a sense of satisfaction and showcases how nature begins a new day, spreading rays of hope and warmth to everyone equally.

How to Successfully Change Your Routine

You hear it everywhere: successful people wake up early.

It’s hard not to be tempted and give it a try. Who doesn’t want to be successful?

But most people fail to do so and eventually go back to their previous routine of waking late.

But Here’s how you can make it!

  1. Gradual Wake-up Time Adjustments: Instead of jumping to an early wake-up time, start by setting your alarm just 15 minutes earlier each day for a week. Gradually move it up to your desired time. Try hitting the hay a bit earlier each night to make it smoother.
  2. Stay Motivated: Waking up early should be enjoyable, not a chore. Find motivation by using the extra time for something you love, like starting a project early, allowing time to hang out with friends later, or indulging in a morning meditation or yoga session.
  3. Get Moving Outside the Bedroom: Don’t linger in bed after waking up; it makes going back to sleep tempting. Leaving your bedroom helps resist that temptation.
  4. Limit Blue Light Before Bed: Blue light is great during the day, but avoid it 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. Turn off screens early to help wind down for better sleep.
  5. Allow Yourself a Sleep-In Occasionally: Take it easy on days when you need extra rest, like when you’re not feeling well, had a late night, or are dealing with a hangover. It’s okay to sleep in occasionally.
  6. Avoid Heavy and Spicy Foods Late at Night: Skip heavy or spicy meals before bedtime to avoid heartburn or indigestion, ensuring a better night’s sleep.

Conclusion: 

Being an early bird benefits your health as it helps regulate your sugar and cholesterol levels. 

Additionally, it gives you a peaceful environment to enjoy nature while the world is sleeping, meditate, and boost your concentration.

Finally, you will gain a lot except for one loss: Laziness.

We hope this article helps you bring this meaningful change into your life. And if you want to read more such informative articles, keep returning.