Some people are just not morning people. Whether it be because you like your sleep or because you do not get to bed until later, there are understandable excuses to why you hit that snooze button more than once. But some evidence suggests that rising early may be good for you. Here are five reasons why you should aspire to be an early riser.

1.      You can have your alone time. If you get up before everyone else in your household you will learn to savor those precious moments. Before the kids start screaming and the dog starts barking you may just be able to chill out and have a moment to yourself. Read the paper, drink your coffee, and relax!

2.      It is the best time to exercise. Rising early and making time for exercise before you begin your day is quite beneficial. You will get your exercise out of the way and give yourself the evening to do other things and you will feel more energized throughout the day.

3.      You will have time to eat breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and frankly some people just do not have time to eat it. Getting up an extra hour earlier will let you make a healthy and heart breakfast to start your day off with some fuel.

4.      You will have time to plan. Starting off your day with a plan is great if you are a busy person. Do you have appointments to go to? Kids to drop off at practice? Giving yourself some time to get organized in the morning will help to ensure that your day runs as smoothly and as stress free as possible.

5.      Bike to work. Giving yourself an extra bit of time in the morning to bike or walk to work will not only benefit your body and wallet, but the environment.

If you are contemplating becoming an early riser, ease into it. Start by going to bed about half an hour earlier and getting up half an hour earlier. Our bodies naturally adjust to our sleep/wake cycles so the first few days you may feel a little groggy. Once you do get up take advantage of your extra time. The more you see the advantages to more morning time the more likely you are to rise early.