“Lose an hour in the morning, and you will be all day hunting for it.” – Richard Whately

I’ve always been an early riser. The habit started more than 35 years ago when I was in high school. I got up early every day to deliver newspapers as a way to have some extra cash in my pocket.

Today, I get out of bed early to write before the day becomes too hectic. My body is now hard-wired to wake before 5 a.m. Even on the weekends, I struggle to sleep past 6.

After spending a lifetime rising early, I’ve come to appreciate the early-morning quiet. It’s a sacred time for me. If you struggle to rise early, here are five reasons to get out of bed early and claim your day.

1. Get a Head Start
Getting out of bed early provides the opportunity to get a head start on your day. Rather than rushing from the moment you wake, giving yourself some extra time paves the way for less anxiety and reduced stress.

2. Soak in the Peace
There’s something special about the early-morning quiet. Before your partner or children wake; before the television is turned on and before the daily bustle begins, the morning can give you a much-needed dose of peace before facing the day.

3. Eat Better
Waking earlier affords the time to eat a substantial breakfast. Rather than reaching for the Pop Tarts as you head out the door, use this time to prepare what’s good for your body, mind and spirit.

4. Get Fit
Before the day’s events get you off track, use the early morning to develop a new exercise routine. By switching to a morning routine, you will seldom miss a workout because there’s less risk of something getting in the way.

5. Plan
The morning is a great time to consider your goals and to plan your future. Take advantage of the quiet setting to write down your goals. Even better, write down one goal you want to accomplish for the day and then see yourself reaching the goal as you move throughout the day.

Want to get started, but don’t know how?

Consider these simple tips to get out of bed early beginning tomorrow.
1. Start slow. Set your alarm for just 15 or 30 minutes earlier than you normally do.

2. Have a purpose. Plan how you will spend this extra time by doing things like praying, meditating, or reading.

3. Don’t hit the Snooze button. Get up when you wake up.

4. Invigorate yourself. Enjoy a cup tea, coffee, water or juice as you ease into the morning.

5. Find the discipline. You may be tempted to give up by the third or fourth day, but remember getting out of bed early is a better gift you can give yourself than falling back into bed.

About Alex Blackwell
Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer.