Waking Up Early is The Sh*t.

You know all of those positive habits you want to build and things you want to accomplish? You want to meditate, journal, meal prep, read, get a promotion, train for a marathon, spend more time with loved ones, etc. A lot of us can't seem to find the time in the day or energy to do everything we want. We don't prioritize the things that we know are good for us because we're "too busy" or because we have no motivation. Regardless, if you find there isn't enough time in the day or energy in your body. . . make more. Wake up earlier.

I wake up at five in the morning everyday and it's amazing. I have time to meditate, make a delicious breakfast, journal, read and workout - all without the help of coffee! I know some of you might think that you're not a morning person. And maybe you're not. But have you ever tried to be a morning person?

As people, we're pretty adaptable. I bet, if you tried waking up early everyday for two weeks (yes, even weekends), you'd be surprised at how much you love the early-bird life. Plus it won't seem like such a chore once your body has adjusted.

Early looks different for all of us. If you work nights at a restaurant, you might consider 10:00a early. Whatever your schedule, try easing yourself into waking up earlier. On the first day, set your alarm 15 minutes sooner. And work your way up to wherever you want to be.

For example, I was accustomed to waking up at 6:50a and starting work at 7:00a. So, for 3 days I started getting up at 6:30. By the end of the week I tried six, and by the following week - with some willpower and force - I got up at five. It wasn't easy and I did feel tired for the first couple days. But then my body adapted, I went to bed a little earlier and got a lot more out of my days. Including the weekends. . .

I know a lot of us praise the weekends since we get to sleep in and don't need to worry about doing anything pressing in the morning. However, if you regulate your sleep and get up at the same time every day, your sleep quality improves and makes it easier to wake up throughout the entire week.

Depending on who you are, most of us are more productive in the mornings - before we are drained of energy at work. For instance, how much better does it feel to knock out your workout in the morning versus after work? Pretty darn good if you ask me. Luckily, it's not just me. Studies have also suggested that early rising and success are linked. Early risers tend to be more proactive which can lead to better grades in school or higher wages at work. Additionally, an Insider article comments that by ditching the snooze button, "you'll actually give your body time to wake up before starting your day." This leads to increased energy levels and a better mood that can be sustained throughout the day. Lastly, based on research published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, female early-birds tend to suffer less from mental illnesses like depression, anxiety and other mood disorders.

We all know sleep is important. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to adjust and prioritize within the "busy-body" culture that the United States promotes today. However, by putting in the work to wake up early while still ensuring you're getting your sleep, you'll see positive ripple effects throughout this fickle thing we call life.

Give it a shot! It isn't as hard as you think, you can do it! Check out this Healthline article for some tips on how to fall asleep earlier.