rebelling against low expectations

7 Reasons You Should Be a Morning Person

By Audrey French
4 months ago
147 comments
7

America was built on the backs of early morning risers. Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most influential founding fathers, famously said, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”

For most of history, people had to rise before dawn in order to care for livestock. Without electricity, lighting by candles and lamps was both cumbersome and expensive. The lack of artificial light forced people to take full advantage of natural light.

But should modern day Americans still rise with the sun? Easy access to electricity has made staying up late convenient, and many people now wear the “night owl” label with pride. A recent study showed America’s shockingly late bedtimes. Brooklyn, New York has the latest average bedtime at 12:07 am. Maui and Kauai, both Hawaiian counties, have the earliest national bedtimes, with Maui at 10:31 pm and Kauai at 10:33 pm. Cities famous for their party culture, such as Las Vegas and Miami, and cities with a strong college population were shown to have much later bedtimes than suburban and rural areas. With most Americans crashing between 10:31 pm and 12:07 am, it is no wonder that we rarely see the sunrise!

Even though modern day Americans tend to stay up late and thus rise late, waking up early is actually more effective than burning away the night hours. Here are seven reasons why you should rise early.

1. Waking up early gives you a sense of drive and purpose.

The morning of my first mission trip, I was wide awake hours before I really needed to be. Why? Because I wanted to make sure I had ample time to get ready and drive peacefully to the destined meeting spot. Rising early shows that we are motivated to face the day ahead, whatever it may bring. Additionally, rising early may turn you into a more enthusiastic, robust person.

Psychology Today cites a study that confirms the health and happiness of morning people:

“A recent study published in the American Psychological Association journal, Emotion, reports early risers are generally happier than night owls. More than 700 respondents, ranging from ages 17-79 were surveyed and asked about their emotional state, health and preferred time of day. Self-professed morning people reported feeling happier and healthier than night owls.”

2. Morning sounds are beautiful and peaceful.

Whenever my family would stay at my grandparent’s cabin in Payson, Arizona, a forested town, I would be entranced by the charming morning sounds: birds chirping, hummingbirds buzzing, squirrels chattering. The world felt peaceful and calm.

During my morning devotional times on the swing outside, I discovered that many of those same sounds exist in my suburban backyard, minus squirrels chattering. The quiet, soft sounds are calming, a stark difference from our noisy, chaotic world.

George Washington Carver, an American botanist and inventor, said, “All my life I have risen regularly at four o’clock and have gone into the woods and talked to God. There He gives me my orders for the day.” While mornings are beautiful, they are also quiet enough to allow us to hear God and receive direction.

3. Rising early allows us to plan our day carefully.

While we should move purposefully when getting ready in the morning, we also need time to center ourselves on what is truly important. Hectic everyday life is eagerly waiting to tear our attention and time in a million different directions. Creating a plan in the morning will determine our priorities and allow us to be more effective throughout the day.

Creating a plan in the morning will determine our priorities and allow us to be more effective throughout the day. Click To Tweet

4. Waking up early will ensure your exhaustion by bedtime.

This may seem obvious, but it is an important factor to consider. Nothing is more frustrating than climbing into bed and not being able to fall asleep. Waking up early will ensure that your body is ready for bed when you are, making falling asleep much easier.

5. Early morning risers are in good company.

If you ever feel alone in the quiet of the morning, remember that all across the country people are waking up with you. In 2015, Edison Research found that out of 1,550 study participants between the ages of 18-54, 23% woke up between 6:00 and 6:30 am. By 8:00 am, 74% of all respondents were awake. Hard core morning people would probably scoff at those who roll out of bed after 7:00 am, but better late than never in my opinion.

6. The Bible says you should stop sleeping in.

The book of Proverbs, written by the wisest man ever, has a surprising number of verses about laziness, several of which condemn the love of sleep. Here are three verses that address this:

“How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” (Proverbs 6:9-11)

“Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.” (Proverbs 20:13)

“As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed.” (Proverbs 26:14)

While sufficient sleep is important to our health, eventually we have to quit flopping back and forth and drag ourselves out of bed. Sleeping in has consequences. If you want to avoid poverty, then manage your time wisely and fully utilize the early morning hours.

7. God’s mercies are new every morning.

Imagine that our days never ended – the sun never went down. Sleep was nonexistent. More likely than not, humans would run themselves into the ground with the constant, hectic pace of work, worry, and stress. God in His wisdom knew that humans would not be able to sustain a non-stop pace. Sleep allows us to take a complete break from all activity, then rise refreshed, both physically and emotionally, in the morning. Every morning we wake brings a fresh start to life.

God invites us to rise in the morning and enjoy the fresh dose of mercy that is new every day. Click To Tweet

Lamentations 3:22-24 says,

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him.’”

God designed the sun to rise early in the morning for a reason. Most people will find that waking up early will allow them to be more productive and happy. Getting up earlier also allows you to enjoy the beautiful morning and create a plan for your day. Finally, God invites us to rise in the morning and enjoy the fresh dose of mercy that is new every day. While waking up early requires discipline and focus, the rewards are well worth the effort.

Editor’s Note: this article was previously published in 2017

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About the author

Audrey French

Audrey French is a graduate from Grand Canyon University’s Honors College. She works for Feed My Starving Children as a program facilitator. She also does the communications work for AIM for Christ, a ministry that serves the San Carlos Apache reservation. Nothing makes her happier than catching up with good friends and hanging out with her family. She is passionate about growing in her faith in Jesus and helping nonprofit organizations such as Compassion International. You can find her blogging at Living Blessed With Less.

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147 comments

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  • Really good post…… I try to go to bed early, I really do…… here’s to attempting to rewire my brain to go to bed earlier!

    Reply

    • Kyra, I really tried my best to reason with that Pud guy I even gave him explanations and time codes because he couldn’t find them so I’m leaving it to God.

      Reply

      • Haha yeah I’m sure if anything that will only do nothing but make him angrier right now. As for the Christian lifestyle I do some things but not everything, I came to the conclusion that I was just stressing him and and I’ll just let God tell me when it’s my time to be baptized.

        Yes that’s true but you have to remember God can’t force you to see the truth the person has to want it as well.

        Reply

  • i am not a morning person, but as i read this post, i think of me, sitting in bed TOO long. just saying. i never thought of me as a ” sluggard” till-now. SO….. now do i need to change?

    Reply

    • Hi Makayla,
      We’ve all got some sluggard in us; I know that I certainly do. 🙂 I think we will all battle our inner sluggard for the rest of our lives, but if we start fighting now we will have plenty of time for improvement. 🙂
      Thanks for reading!
      Audrey

      Reply

  • I absolutely loved this article Audrey! I used to be a proud “night owl,” until grade 12 when I read a different article on the topic of sleep. It was so convicting I become a self-made morning person, and honestly I love it and never want to go back! Early morning are my favourite part of my day. It is my happy place. Thank you for writing this challenging article! It is beautiful reminder of the joys that come each morning.

    Reply

  • Haha, you guys are crazy. Sam, reading this thread takes me back to the old days. It reminded me of Revive. Is that still going? How would I access it?

    Reply

  • Great article! Yet another reason to wake up early: the little siblings are still sleeping, and all is calm and quiet. A perfect time to read the Bible, and maybe even get some work done!

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  • Great thoughts, Audrey. I used to have a reversed cortisol cycle (which meant my only energy came at night) and so used to do much of my work in the evenings. I loved mornings and kept hoping the Lord would heal me so I could rise early again. And He has. But I just want to encourage anyone going through something similar-if that’s where you are, He’s put you there for a reason. Just don’t let it be an excuse to be lazy. <3

    Reply

  • Oh my word, Sam! (And no…before you say it, I was not stalking *you*. I was stalking this post) But how long have you and Kyra been talking? 😂 NOW I know where you’ve been going when you aboandon me. *sniff*

    Reply

  • Sam is definitely a little old lady who wants a friend! 😂 That is amazing….sorry I’m still stalking y’all’s conversation……

    Reply

  • Looks like you’re stuck with me now, Sam… I’ve officially been called your friend. 😉 Guess having no life payed off….now just to get that free Chick-fil-A. 🍗 (It’s upside down…)

    Reply

  • 🤨 *tries to figure out whether he was saying that so she’d see it and say something or not* Thanks for your vote of confidence in my life owning.

    Reply

  • I would take fried chicken, but I would take it skeptically if it had a bone because I’ve gotten fried chicken with a bone, blood, and feathers all attached….it was gross…

    Reply

          • I’ve known about TheReb for about a year. My mom has apparently known about it for years but didn’t tell me about it. I looked at it from time to time but didn’t get really into it until July when I joined YWW, and I didn’t set up my Disqus account until the day before I commented here. It was my second or third comment, so no…I can’t say that I am.

          • Yup. 😂

            Yes, I know him from when we met on YWW and he said I had no life….it’s now become a joke between us….though it’s true. 😅

          • Oooooohhhh….that friend. XD yeah, I’m actually talking to her now. Is YWW actually open now or not? I guess she’s the only one allowed to say that either of us have no lives.

          • He is, he commented on my comment. XD and I could, but I don’t really want to insult the person who has the power to take me away from the only friends I have in my “non-life” 😅

          • There’s a subscribe button somewhere on the page………I forgot where and can’t look now.

          • I’m back! I’s back! I didn’t leave….I just got distracted because I was helping my friend do something. *nods*

          • Yes, it is….but that doesn’t mean I’m gone. I was just letting you do your thing because you were doing amazing at it. And since Kyra blocked her account I couldn’t respond to her because…well I get on here through Facebook and the links don’t work. And Kyra, I’m praying for you. I completely understand what it feels like. The fear of being judged, not wanting to tell anyone, and fear of what will happen when you do. I know you deleted your comments, but I may have read them before. I’m not judging…I’m in no place to. But…if you ever need someone other than Sam to talk to, I’m here. ☺️

          • Demonic attacks are real and they do happen. They also happen physically (via possession). It’s not as common here in São Paulo, but we’ve been up to Rio de Janeiro were Spiritism is real and commonly practiced. In Rio they told us stories of illiterate women who, when possessed, could both read and write. They talked about times seeing people on the ground practically slithering like a snake as if there were no bones in their body. Now, I’ve never heard of them just abusing a person, but it’s not really something you want to or even should do research into…especially in the States were you never really hear about things like that happening. Also, as Sam said, the Bible does support that those with the Holy Spirit cannot be possessed. But yes…demons are very real, they still attack, and their attacks can be physical.

          • No, dude….it was most definitely *your* funeral. I forgot why you died though…. OH YEAH!!! No one could mention you, and you said that you had died.

          • Yeah…I know…I’m still thinking about changing my name though…. (and have been for forever…)

          • No one could tag him, so he said he died. I said that I would visit his grave and bring him flowers…. then I asked what his favorite flower was and then…..yeah….. I drowned in pickup lines for the rest of the day….

          • He’s awesome! But that doesn’t mean I want to spend my evenings getting lost in pickup lines. 😂

          • I *only* talked to my best friend (Yes, the one we were talking about, Sam). I wasn’t even really supposed to be talking to her about it…cause, thanks to stupid stereotyping, missionaries aren’t supposed to or allowed to have problems. But I’ve officially become the family shoulder, and if there when there were other humans that spoke my language around, I was their shoulder too. It sometimes feels like we have this huge label plastered on us shouting out, “Perfect and problem free! Here to listen and be cried on!” And don’t get me wrong, because I love it….I love people to feel that they can share their problems with me, and I love to be able to encourage them and help them. I just need to be able to do it back sometimes… but yes, there are others like you out here. We just kind of learn to pin ourselves in…well until we burst….which I’m dangerously close to….

    • I’m pretty sure your words were something along the lines of “Oh you poor child. If you come visit me, I’ll get you free Chick-fil-A” something like that. 😂 all I remember are the words “free” and “Chick-fil-A”

      Reply

  • Yes, Maine is cool…..well not *as* cool when there’s been a blizzard following you and it snows over 3 feet right when you get there. 😂 But Maine is cool. And is the fried chicken question meant for me or Sam?

    Reply

  • Same. 😂 I have to make it to the States, but then I have to convince my parents to let me go visit him (which is probably never happening) or he has to come down south to one of the three state options I have him.

    Reply

    • I’m being honest with myself and it’s what I’m supposed to be doing either way. I’m not a true Christian until I’m spirit filled and a doer of the word.

      Reply

        • Well if you’re wondering if it’s true you can always check the bible but can I ask you to pray for me? I’m really struggling with finances and I would appreciate a prayer ^-^

          Reply

          • Of course you can tell others I need all the help I can get 😛 Also, for your brother will I be praying for him to become Christian or offered the chance to be one?

          • I see, I’ll pray that you receive words of wisdom then and I again appreciate your prayers.

          • Thanks. I used to go to church but it was one filled with blasphemy against God and I didn’t know it at the time.

          • God made me aware of that because Jesus came to destroy the religions and thousands of years later people are still doing the same thing and if I know God’s character if a church would be to his liking I would be led to it.

          • Haha no I’m not a teen and not I haven’t checked them out I just wanted to talk to you 🙂

          • I’m curious, how old are you? I’m 25. Even though I’m not a Christian there are young people still following God in this world and it brings a smile to my face.

          • You’re just a year younger than my brother and a year older than my sister. I have things to fix in my life before anything else but I will pray for your brother.

          • I was curious and wanted to ask how you pray? I’ve been taught by the bible to pray without ceasing until what you prayed for comes to pass.

          • I’m super grateful to God and thank you for praying for me this will really help in paying off my debts

          • They are pushing her around, hitting her, and making scratches it her body that are getting progressively deeper and more dangerous as time goes on.

          • Well she’s like myself Christian in name. And oh my gosh you won’t believe what happened today.

          • The person that gave me the $1400 dollar donation says he wants to keep sending me donations every so often because he says he like’s how nice I’ve been to him. Haha all I’m doing is being myself but I thanked him that he’s willing to keep donating to me.

          • 2017 Yes and all that glory goes to God I’ve been praying for God to make me smarter and I’m not sure it’s working but all I’ve learned is because I’m open to what God tells me when I get stuck on things. Yes I’m super excited that he’s gonna make donations from time to time. I’m a reseller and I rarely if ever got a return customer maybe once or twice.

          • Indeed but the ironic thing is that I never cared about God, I went through the motions to please my parents and when God found me and I stood up for him they wanted to kick me out of the house and yes I do know what you mean. Also, money is about 60% of my problems and I wish I could say I’m exaggerating but I’m not 😛

          • Yes I’ve read that as well and I would stand up for most things for God but like you I have trouble with certain things. And I forgot another thing to mention I might now have to go to a homeless shelter this month because I got social assistance ^-^ which means getting money for basics while I look for a job.

          • Yes I’ll be ok at least for a month and for some reason I feel I can tell you anything and it will be ok. I have a learning disability and that makes it very hard for me sometimes and I don’t want to be at someone’s mercy and walk on eggshells just to please them. I worked for myself for about 10 months but had to stop since people weren’t buying anymore or wasting my time.

          • Thanks, I feel that I’m asking so much of you and God and people keep telling me that guilt is from Satan 🙁 . Also how’s your brother doing? I live in Canada so that doesn’t work out but do you have Skype or Discord?

          • I hate snow and I hate the cold but if I would move to a warmer place it would have snakes and stuff 🙁

          • I’m terrified of anything that can harm me 😛 I hear so many stories of people getting bitten by snakes and all sorts of stuff.

          • The world isn’t a good place but I used to be ok with spiders till a regular one bit my dad and it made him faint and get a bad infection to which he needed to be rushed to the emergency room and that’s saying a lot since my dad is tough as nails.

          • Well I don’t have Jesus and I know where I would end up if I died, I’m not in the mood for music today either but I’ll check it out later.

          • So you think that when we die we go to heaven? Also I don’t base something as important as my soul based on feelings. I have to be 100% sure because I don’t want this to happen.

            Matthew 7:21-23 New King James Version (NKJV)
            I Never Knew You
            21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

          • But the thing is you don’t go to heaven and no one will. I hope you see what I’m getting at if not I can explain.

          • I’m getting this information from the bible where else? How sure are you that when you die you go to heaven?

          • What can I do about my friend? She keeps getting attacked by demons and they scratch her :(. The music box played by itself, the bibles were thrown across the room, and they scratched her arm.

            The bible fell to this

            corinthians chapter 11,12 number 1

            Then this

            Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
            2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
            3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
            4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
            5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
            6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
            7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
            8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
            9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
            10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
            11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
            12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
            13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
            14For the body is not one member, but many.
            15If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
            16And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
            17If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
            18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
            19And if they were all one member, where were the body?
            20But now are they many members, yet but one body.
            21And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
            22Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
            23And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
            24For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
            25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
            26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
            27Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
            28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
            29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
            30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
            31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

          • Yes I have thanked God for it. And my family are Catholics but you know how they are yes?

  • Just out of curiosity: what time is considered early enough? 🤔

    And don’t you think it’s still fine to sleep in when you’re on holiday?

    Reply

  • Ooh boy! XD This is great! I am so inspired.
    There are so many ways to make getting up easier, too! I know how hard it is to wake up sometimes… <3
    Some ideas include:
    -Washing your face immediately with warm water!
    -setting the alarm on your phone to a gentle setting, or if possible (for the swanky phoned of you!;))) your favorite worship hymn
    -lighting a candle and putting on a favorite outfit ;))
    -making a cup of green tea or coffee with milk or any special way you like it!
    – Reading God's word and journaling <3
    Anybody else have more ideas? Hope these help!

    Reply

  • That is a wonderful article!
    Most teens actually think it’s cool to stay up till midnight, but then they aren’t alert in the morning.
    Thanks so much for publishing it, and let’s make waking up early be “cool”….😁😊
    (That counts for me too, because I have to confess I like sleeping in most of the time…)

    Reply

  • I’ve never been a morning person. I’ve always enjoyed nights more and love being a sluggard in bed in the morning.

    However, the past couple months I’ve held myself to a bedtime curfew and get up early — typically around 6. I get scriptures and my couple hardest studies down before some family members are even awake!

    I’ve seen SOOO many benefits from this schedule! It’s a struggle to get out of bed every morning, but now I’m a self-enforced morning person. My days go much smoother and are way more productive!

    Reply

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By Audrey French 4 months ago
147 comments
rebelling against low expectations

The Rebelution is a teenage rebellion against low expectations—a worldwide campaign to reject apathy, embrace responsibility, and do hard things. Learn More →