There’s something special about early birds, those folks who rise before dawn and embrace the morning with gusto.

Psychology tells us that those who start their day before the sun comes up often share certain key behaviors. These behaviors might just be the secret to their morning energy, productivity, and overall happiness.

In this article, we’re going to explore these 7 behaviors that early risers commonly display. And who knows? Perhaps a change in your own routine could bring you closer to these benefits too.

Now, I’m not saying you should immediately set your alarm for 4 am. But, taking a peek into the world of early risers and understanding what makes them tick might just give you some fresh perspective.

So grab your coffee (or tea!) and let’s dive into the fascinating world of early birds!

1) They are proactive

Early birds, those who wake up before the sun does, often share a penchant for proactivity.

This might seem obvious, but it’s backed up by psychology. You see, getting up early isn’t just about beating the clock; it’s about taking control of your day.

These folks are not the ones to hit the snooze button repetitively. Instead, they embrace the day with a proactive mindset, setting the tone for their entire day.

There’s a psychological principle behind this. As renowned psychologist Carl Jung once said, “You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.”

It’s about action, not intention. And early risers seem to understand this at a fundamental level.

They don’t wait for the day to dictate what happens to them; they dictate what happens to their day.

This proactive approach usually extends to other areas of their life as well, leading them to be more productive and successful in general.

Getting up early is just one way they demonstrate this principle in action. And it’s a behavior we could all consider adopting if we aspire to be more proactive in our lives.

2) They prioritize physical health

Early birds tend to prioritize their physical health, and I’ve experienced this first-hand.

A couple of years ago, I decided to switch from being a night owl to an early riser. One of the most immediate changes I noticed was the extra time I had in the morning.

Instead of rushing out the door with a granola bar, I started my day with a jog around the block and a healthy breakfast.

The shift was transformative. My energy levels improved, and I felt more focused throughout the day. 

Choosing to start my day early and prioritize my physical health over an extra hour of sleep not only reduced stress but made me feel more in control of my well-being.

It’s no surprise that many early risers share this common trait. They understand that a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind, and vice versa, setting themselves up for success each day before the sun even rises.

3) They cherish quiet time

Have you ever noticed how still and peaceful the world is before dawn?

As an early riser, I’ve come to value this quiet time. It’s a moment of calm before the hustle and bustle of the day, an opportunity for introspection and self-reflection.

There’s something therapeutic about being awake while the rest of the world sleeps. It’s a solitude that lets you connect with your thoughts without interruptions or distractions.

Renowned psychologist Albert Ellis once said, “The art of love is largely the art of persistence.” I believe this can also apply to the relationship we have with ourselves.

Persistently seeking moments of quiet reflection allows us to better understand and love ourselves.

Let’s be honest, life can be chaotic. We’re constantly bombarded with information, tasks, and demands from our external environment.

But those who wake up early often do so to reclaim some peace and solitude before diving into their day.

So, if you’re considering joining the early bird club, remember, it’s not just about productivity; it’s also about finding your zen before sunrise.

4) They have better mood regulation

One of the fascinating traits of early risers is their ability to regulate their mood effectively throughout the day.

A study found that individuals who wake up early tend to have lower levels of depression and anxiety compared to those who stay up late.

I’ve found this to be true in my own life. Waking up early has given me a head start on the day, allowing me to approach challenges with a fresh and positive mindset.

It’s like being given a head start in a race – you feel more prepared, less rushed, and overall more capable of handling whatever comes your way.

It seems that greeting the sun each morning doesn’t just benefit your productivity levels but also positively impacts your emotional well-being. It’s another testament to the power of rising before dawn!

5) They value routine

Routine is a cornerstone in the life of early birds.

Routines provide structure, and for those who wake up before the sun, it’s a way of ensuring they make the most out of their early start.

They have their morning rituals – be it exercising, meditating, reading, or even just enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.

I’ve realized that this routine brings a sense of comfort and stability to my mornings.

There’s something empowering about knowing exactly how you’ll start your day, and the confidence gained from this predictability often spills over into other areas of life.

For early risers, their morning routine is not merely a set of tasks but a reinforcing cycle that sets them up for success each day.

It’s about creating harmony between their behaviors and their goals – starting from the moment they wake up.

6) They understand the power of rest

It might seem counterintuitive, but early birds are often champions of rest.

While they might rise before the sun, they also understand the importance of a good night’s sleep.

They know that waking up early does not mean sacrificing sleep; instead, it means adjusting their sleep schedule to ensure they get the rest they need.

Famed psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “What a man can be, he must be.” Early risers seem to embody this quote, recognizing that to be their best selves, they must respect their need for rest.

This understanding reflects a broader self-awareness and respect for their physical and mental needs.

While society often glorifies burning the midnight oil, early risers understand that true productivity and wellness come from a balance of work and rest.

So yes, early birds do catch the worm, but they also catch their Z’s. They demonstrate that you can seize the day without sacrificing the night.

7) They practice mindfulness

Finally, early risers often engage in mindfulness practices.

In the tranquility of the morning, they take the time to be present, to breathe, and to prepare mentally for the day. This mindful start can have profound effects on their day, promoting calmness and focus.

As psychologist and mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn said, “Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing.”

For early birds, starting their day in a mindful way is a part of knowing and controlling how their day unfolds.

In short, early risers don’t just wake up; they wake up mindfully.

Final reflections

The complexity of human behavior is indeed fascinating. Our routines, habits, and preferences often provide a glimpse into how we perceive and interact with the world around us.

For those who rise before the sun, their mornings reflect not just their schedule, but their values, priorities, and mindset.

These early risers demonstrate a combination of proactivity, health consciousness, mindfulness, and an appreciation for solitude and routine.

While waking up early might not suit everyone’s lifestyle or preferences, there’s undoubtedly something to be learned from these early birds.

As we’ve explored these behaviors together, perhaps you’ve found a few that resonate with you.

Maybe you’re already an early riser or considering becoming one. Or perhaps you’re simply intrigued by the psychology behind it all.

Regardless of your wake-up time, the essence of these behaviors – mindfulness, proactivity, self-care – are principles we can all incorporate into our lives in our own unique way.

So, whether you greet the morning with the sunrise or prefer the quiet of the night, remember that your day’s start can set the tone for everything that follows.

Choose to start it in a way that aligns with your values and aspirations. After all, every day is a new opportunity to create the life you want.