That’s the science-y classification for early birds and night owls—aka, your body’s preference1 for waking up earlier or later in the day. Some experts say that while about 50% of your chronotype is due to genetics, you can train yourself to be a morning person if you’re naturally more of a snooze-hitter. Research shows3 that cluttered spaces can have negative effects on our stress and anxiety levels as well as our ability to focus because our brains are wired to like order. Using fMRI scans, scientists at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute also noted4 that clearing all this workspace clutter actually boosted productivity. Constant visual reminders of disorganization in your periphery may be what’s draining your focus and, in turn, your productivity, so now’s a great time to finally clean your desk. For a more energized (and less groggy) start to the day, try getting 15 to 20 minutes of daylight or full-spectrum light exposure into your morning, then maximize your natural light exposure by working close to a window, or keeping the lights on around your workspace during the day. Spend five minutes in the morning writing out the tasks you want to accomplish during your day—there’s a good chance you’ll be closer to checking them off your list. Going to sleep even an hour earlier may be harder than waking up, so you’ll need to help your body relax and wind down as much as possible. Instead of big meals, hard exercise, and bright lights before bed, slow down the excitement. Dim the lights, do some reading or gentle stretching, and shut down your blue-light-emitting screens at least an hour before you ideally want to fall asleep. Brilli’s warm, dimmable Wind Down light bulbs (and Get In Sync downlights for your home’s overhead lighting) help lull your body and mind into relaxation—without any blue light. Not only do blue lights suppress melatonin, which makes it harder to fall asleep, but they also diminish the quality of sleep you get through the night. So if you truly want a more energized and productive morning starting tomorrow? The key is to start, well, tonight.
