15 Fascinating Morning Facts

Your mornings will be brighter after reading these little-known facts.

Mornings are a fascinating time of day.

While many of us start our daily routine on autopilot, mornings actually provide an opportunity to start fresh, be optimistic and productive.

To get you thinking more about the importance of morning time, here are 15 interesting facts about those precious first waking hours:

1. Your cortisol levels spike about 30 minutes after waking up. This injection of cortisol helps you transition out of sleep mode. (ScienceDirect)

2. Daylight in the early morning contains higher levels of blue light. This suppresses melatonin production and makes you more alert. (Everyday Health)

3. People are most optimistic in the morning. This is likely due to higher levels of endorphins and the novelty of a new day.

4. Mornings have lower air pollution levels compared to later in the day. This depends on location, but first thing in the morning before rush hour typically offers the cleanest and freshest air. (IQAir)

5. Breakfast literally means ‘to break the fast’ from not eating overnight while you sleep. Breakfast kick-starts your metabolism for the day.

6. The first hour after waking gives you an opportunity to set the tone for the whole day. How you spend your early morning can set the stage for a positive and productive day.

7. Time perception is altered in the morning. Have you noticed this strange phenomenon that makes minutes seem to last longer than they actually do?

8. Many people report being most productive in the morning hours. How come? Well an early start means you can get stuff done before distractions and emails start piling up. (Entrepreneur)

9. The early bird truly does get the worm. Many animals are most active and forage for food at dawn.

10. Early morning is great for exercising. Runners and gym-goers often enjoy exercising in the morning on an empty stomach and before distractions of the day set in.

11. Many religious rituals take place first thing in the morning. This includes repeating prayers or chants at dawn.

12. Sunlight and fresh air can provide a morning boost. Stepping outside in the morning when the air is fresh and the sunlight is gentle can provide you with a mental and physical boost. (The Morning Edge)

13. Birds tend to gather in flocks at dawn. They do this before scattering to perform their daytime activities separately.

14. People have been greeting each other with "good morning" for thousands of years. This has taken place across all cultures, and is a sign of goodwill to others.

15. Every morning, you wake with a chance to turn your life around. The dawn of a new day gives you an opportunity for growth and change.

To sum up, mornings are a time for new beginnings, optimism and productivity.

The little details of the morning, from cortisol levels peaking to air feeling fresher, provide an opportunity to start the day right.

So rise and shine — and make your day count!