What If I told you I could make one simple small tweak in your life that would reduce your weight, lower the risk of depression, boost your productivity, and it wouldn’t cost you a thing?
Here it is:
“Early to bed and early to rise makes a person healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
That’s it, this old-fashioned behavior many of our grandparents would prescribe turns out to be scientifically proven. This underlying theory is based on an emerging science known as chronobiology, which is the study of the circadian rhythm. Central to this understanding is that our bodies are powerfully shaped by light and its absence – darkness. Being awake during the day and tucked safely into a cave at night favored our ancestors and this biology to light and darkness remains rooted in our genes today. This is why getting up early puts you in a brighter and perkier mood. According to research sun exposure and its impact on hormones is responsible.
Want to lose weight? Evidence shows staying up later is associated with eating unhealthier foods. And, along with sleep, there are biological clocks for our metabolism, digestive function, and hormones.
Interested in greater productivity?
Multiple studies show morning types tend to perform better academically and at work and get more done than their evening-oriented counterparts. According to dedicated early birds like me, the perks of the morning include less distraction, more time, and more space to think and get stuff done. There are fewer other people up, fewer intrusive phone calls, text messages, emails, and more.
Here are six tips to shift your sleep cycle:
- Rise and go to bed two to three hours earlier than normal.
- Get outside and expose yourself to light during the mornings.
- Eat breakfast as soon as you can after waking.
- Enjoy meals at the same time every day but avoid eating after 7 pm.
- Limit exposure to artificial light, including electronic gizmos, at night.
- Keep this pattern seven days a week including any days off work.
It’s been decades since the sun caught me in bed, no matter what time zone I happen to be in. Early mornings are my favorite time of day. After my 5am workouts, I go to the roof of my gym and stand in silence, it is in these quiet moments I can finally hear.
Have any Feng Shui questions? Feel free to contact me at michelle@michellecromer.com and sign up for your Power Color or visit me on Facebook at Michelle Cromer Feng Shui.
