Waking up early

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Benjamin Franklin wrote a book entitled Early Rising: A Natural, Social and Religious Duty
Benjamin Franklin wrote a book entitled Early Rising: A Natural, Social and Religious Duty

Waking up early is a productivity method of rising early and consistently so as to be able to accomplish more during the day. This method has been recommended since antiquity and is presently recommended by a number of personal development gurus. Benjamin Franklin wrote a book entitled Early rising: Natural, Social and Religious Duty.

Within the context of religious observances, spiritual writers have called this practice "the heroic minute," referring to the sacrifice that this entails.

Personal development writers have noted that waking up early can be developed through practice and correct preparation.

[edit] Background

Aristotle has already advised that "It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom."

Aristotle: It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom.
Aristotle: It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom.

Benjamin Franklin is quoted to have said: "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." It is a saying that is viewed as a commonsensical proverb. He is also quoted as saying: "The early morning has gold in its mouth." He even wrote a book entitled Early Rising: A Natural, Social and Religious Duty.

The writer Steve Pavlina has commented on the "high correlation between success and rising early." Some advantages of early rising are: easier commute due to less traffic, more quietude to perform tasks, more time to prepare the day, less anxious beginning and more serenity.

Catholic spiritual writers have coined the term "heroic minute" to refer to this practice. St. Josemaria Escriva wrote: "The heroic minute. It is the time fixed for getting up. Without hesitation: a supernatural reflection and... up! The heroic minute: here you have a mortification that strengthens your will and does no harm to your body." He said that virtue has to be orderly and that waking up at a fixed time enables a person to fulfill a Christian plan of life involving prayers, study and work.

[edit] Techniques for waking up early

Steve Pavlina has written a number of articles on this topic. He recommends getting up at the same time everyday and not going to bed until the body is truly sleepy.

Dave Cheong has also enumerated tips for waking up early, including getting enough sleep, going to bed early, and jumping out of bed.

[edit] References and external links