This Japanese Logic Will Help You Wake Up Early

Getting up early in the morning is a task. Studies show that eight out of ten people hit the snooze button everyday. It turns out that adopting the Japanese concept of ‘ikigai’ could be the key to waking up feeling refreshed and geared up to start the day.The principal aspects of ikigai, as stated by neuroscientist and author of Awakening Your Ikigai Ken Mogi, are starting small and accepting yourself, connecting with others and the planet, finding joy in little things and being present.

Here are some simple things that you could try to increase your energy, feel more content and kick-start your day.

* Exercise: It’s all about figuring out what form of physical activity that you personally enjoy and that will help push you to get out of bed. This could be going for a walk, doing some yoga in your living room, dancing while you eat your breakfast, anything!

* Breakfast: They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but you should also try and make it one of the most enjoyable. Indulging in a flavor some breakfast can give your spirits an incredible lift.Just like with choosing what kind of physical activity to do in the morning, what you eat for your morning meal is completely at your discretion.

* Social start: The idea of meeting up with a pal for a coffee and a chin wag first thing in the morning may sound like a very strange notion, but that early social interaction could benefit you greatly.

* One of the pillars of ikigai is connecting with others and as such social interactions are pertinent. Finding the time to have a small catch-up with someone who you care about could do wonders for your mood. Even if you don’t have the time to actually sit down and partake in an in-depth conversation, sending someone a quick text to brighten their day could have the same effect.