After experimenting with both early mornings and late nights, all while getting the same number of hours of sleep, I’ve found that waking up early sets me up for a day founded upon efficiency, and staying in the rhythm of an “early bird” is quite easy.
When my alarm rings at 5 a.m., my mind is ready for the excitement of the day ahead. I’ve experienced many mornings where I know the day will be filled with the hustle and bustle of academics and athletics – so, what gets me out of bed? I’m inspired to annotate my English book or work through math homework by the many people whose shift has just ended, whose cars silently fill the highways as they head home.
Efficiency courses through my mind and body as I complete my homework or study for an upcoming assessment. There are so many small wins that keep me going: waking up, using my time effectively, knowing that I haven’t been distracted by social media and embracing the quietness before the busyness ahead. These little achievements and checking my to-do list before school has even started create a momentum of productivity that carries me the rest of my day. Who doesn’t love knowing they’ve already accomplished so much in just a couple of hours?
I haven’t just experienced the positive effects of early mornings; it’s been proven. A University of Toronto study found that early risers had improved mental health and were happier compared to night owls. These results prove that working in the morning can play a huge role in people’s attitudes and their approach to learning.
Another study by Harvard biologist Christoph Randler showed that people who begin their day earlier have an increase in proactivity and problem-solving compared to those who woke up later. They are likelier to dedicate time towards establishing long-term goals and feel more in control of their decisions. His research also shared that “morning people” are more likely to anticipate and address problems efficiently. In fact, according to Forbes, Tim Cook and Anna Wintour, two hugely successful people in their industries, are early risers.
Yes, some students find late-night studying more productive. However, I find it more beneficial to go to bed early, get up early and spend two to three hours studying.
During sports season, when I know that I have a limited amount of time to do homework and to study, prioritization is essential. What do I have to get done today, and what do I want to get done tomorrow? Asking myself these questions each morning allows me to feel like I have more control – a method that keeps me grounded, motivated and less stressed when life feels chaotic.
Even on weekends when I have the choice to sleep in, I love waking up early. I enjoy having “me time,” beginning the day with control over my day’s pace, and easing into the energy that accumulates as the day builds.
The next time you are trying to choose between going to bed early and waking up early or staying up late, know that starting your day earlier will give your day the added value of productivity.
