8 Reasons Why The Rich and Affluent Wake Up Early

vemuda.com - Have you ever rushed out of bed, jumped into  your car or commute, and hurriedly ran into your office bumping into passer-by’s just to make it in time, only to then realise you’ve forgotten a very important file at home? I have so many times.

This, fortunately, hasn’t been my reality for a long time. I discovered something the rich live  by and added it to my own lifestyle. I wake up at the crack of dawn and find myself ten times more productive, healthy, and happy.

source: unsplash.com by David Zawila

There are so many benefits to waking up early – I mean there has to be a reason why over half of the world’s CEOs swear by it. I am hoping, after hearing all the benefits, you too will be infected by the early bug and see positive changes in your life.

1. They plan for the day

My most favourite benefit of waking up early is having the time to plan my day. When you’ve got (what seems like) a million and  one things to do, the easiest way to overcome the overwhelm is to accordingly map out your day based  on what needs to be done.

The rich have every second of their day carved out, and some even use their weekends to complete their to-do lists. They also ensure that they have sufficient breaks so that they get some rejuvenation time. 

The important thing to remember is that you need to be realistic. I used to suffer from super-human syndrome when I foolishly  thought I could finish 50 things in one day all of which required me to travel from one  end of town to the other, multiple times.

You see, you know what you can accomplish, and  you know how long each task will take. Using the early hours, which are almost always peaceful, can help you sensibly plan what you can do. Starting this habit when you’ve still got a small amount to handle is the secret.  

This way, when you’ve got a daunting number of tasks to accomplish, you’ll already be filled with the self-confidence that you can not only plan your day, but can also achieve everything.

2. Work out

Did you know that exercising reduces stress,  improves your mood and increases your attention span? These are just some of the countless benefits of working out. On top of that, studies have shown that there are more benefits to reap when you work out first thing in the morning, as compared to any other time of day.

One study proves that a morning workout leads to efficient and quick decision-making during the rest of the  day. One can also note an increase in productivity levels. Working out in the morning allows the rich to cash in on the benefits later in the day.

Another reason they work out in the morning is so that they don’t get swept away with the day’s responsibility and completely neglect their  health. This is, unfortunately, what happens with most of us: although we’ve made plans about working out, we don’t act on it.

Before we know it, the day’s almost done, we’re too tired, and it’s another opportunity wasted. You do not need to lift weights or take part in a CrossFit class for it to count as a ‘work out’. Taking your dog out on a walk is also an exercise. The point is, find what feels good to you, and do it.

3. Breakfast

Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. If you’re going to be on your feet all day, running from meeting to meeting, you need the physical energy and brain power to be at your best.

A lot of people skip breakfast because they wake up too late and don’t have time to eat. Many option for quick fixes and unhealthy options that will only keep them satisfied for only a small amount of time. Going hungry for the first few hours of your day has a knock-on effect.  

Studies prove that you end up eating more than you need during the rest of the day. There is also evidence which suggests that you’re more likely to pick unhealthy options during the day. This could eventually lead to a feeling of lethargy, mood swings, and even weight gain.

Waking up early provides you with the time to enjoy a balanced meal which will satiate you and fill you with energy. If you feel like, try as you might, you really don’t have time to cook and eat breakfast, you can make your breakfast the night before (something like overnights oats or chia seed pudding) and  grab it in the morning to eat on your way to work.

4. Work on personal projects

Do you have a passion project  you desperately want to work on but seemingly don’t have time for? The wee small hours of the morning are yours to conquer. 

There are two main benefits of this: the first is the obvious one. You are able to focus on your personal goals thereby making you feel more fulfilled.  

The second is that you’ll go to your actual  day job in an already productive state. Seeing as you’ve spent the early morning working and concentrating you won’t need to force yourself into that productive mindset. You may also be more creative during this time.  

Nobody is around to distract you; your creative juices are flowing. You can accomplish a lot. This is what the rich do. Because their time is so restricted, they steal chances, like the early hours, to work on their personal goals.

5. Spend time with family

Striving for a healthy work/life balance is one of the things successful people try to do every day. That’s because they know that  spending time with friends and family makes them feel more relaxed and more excited  about coming home to be with them again.

Research shows that spending time with your family helps decrease stress, encourages you to eat healthier, and subsequently, makes you happier. Your family is your support system.  

Enjoying a fun breakfast with your loved  ones boosts your mood and fills everyone with the sense of confidence and  accomplishment to battle the day.

When family members take time to engage in  conversations with each other especially in the morning they become more confident to go out  into the world. Life shouldn’t be all about work.

6. Network

Networking is important if you want to continue to succeed in your field. The ironic thing is, however, the more you’re growing and succeeding, the less time you have to network and meet potential clients and partners. Once again, waking up early can help you here.

Some CEOs have mentioned that mornings have become a great time to connect with people. It’s during this time that they get to meet potential client’s associates, friends from the same industry or anyone else who would be a valuable asset.  

Successful people know the value of exchanging ideas with others through networking. They also know the value of collaboration and team  work. It’s a lot easier to do business with people you’re friendly with than strangers. It also helps you stay in tune with industry developments and opportunities. That’s why they do this whenever  they can even if it’s before heading out to work.

The good thing about setting up meet ups in the  morning over a cup of coffee is that you’re not as rushed as you would be when you make lunch plans only for there to be a delay at work.

7. Read

Reading works of fiction for pleasure is a great way to entertain yourself. Reading non-fiction like world affairs, economic reports and other such things can help your personal growth. In turn, you can apply all the knowledge you’ve learnt to your business and make it grow.  

If you don’t have the patience for books, you can also use audiobook apps to help you absorb useful information. Knowledge is  power and you can use it to your advantage.

8. Clear Your Mind

Taking care of your mental health is just as  important as taking care of your physical health. The wealthy love taking time each morning to meditate. Not only does it help them quiet down their busy mind, it also allows them to seek clarity on what their goals are.  

Meditation evokes a sense of calmness.  During their busy and stressful days, the rich rely on this feeling to guide them through their obstacles. Mindful meditation is all about focusing on the  present, clearing you mind, and accepting the present moment without judgement. It allows you to  becoming fully engaged with the world around you and gives you the tools to deal with the stresses and strains of the world.  

If you feel like you’ve got too much on your mind, give meditation a try. I can guarantee that even after one session you’ll be feeling a lot lighter.

In conclusion, a morning routine is an inevitable part of many successful people’s lives. You don’t have to do exactly as they do but  take inspiration and try it for yourself, and then see how it fares for you.