wellness

Let's Talk about Gut Health | Nadia La Russa

Let’s Talk About Gut Health

If you know me, then you know that gut health is a topic I enjoy talking about. With my two fermentery businesses in Thunder Bay, I regularly brew kombucha which improves my own gut health and also spreads that goodness to the local community. It’s something I truly love doing. So, what exactly is gut health? If you want to know then continue to read below and of course, reach out to me if you have any questions.

So…what is gut health?

“Gut health” essentially describes the function and balance of bacteria of many parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Our organs work together to allow us to eat and digest food without feeling any sort of discomfort. 

It’s been said that the gut is the body’s second brain and when you have an unhealthy gut, it can take a toll on the rest of your body. In order to understand why this happens, it’s helpful to know how a properly functioning gut is supposed to operate.

The foods we eat get broken down in the gut to a simple form that can enter the bloodstream and be delivered as nutrients throughout our bodies. A healthy gut contains healthy bacteria and immune cells that ward off infectious bacteria and other viruses and fungi. A healthy gut will communicate with the brain through nerves and hormones that help to maintain general health and well-being. 

Pay attention to your gut

Many factors of modern life such as high stress levels, lack of sleep, and consuming processed foods can affect your health. There are multiple ways your body will communicate with you to signal an unhealthy gut.

Upset stomach

Experiencing gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn are signs of an unhealthy gut. 

Unintentional weight changes

Gaining or losing weight without making any changes to your diet or exercise can also be a sign of an unhealthy gut. An imbalanced gut can damage your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, regulate blood sugar, and store fat.

Constant fatigue

An unhealthy gut can contribute to sleep disturbance such as insomnia or poor sleep, which leads to chronic fatigue. A majority of the body’s serotonin is produced from the gut, so an unhealthy gut can damage your ability to sleep well. 

Skin irritation

Skin conditions like eczema may be related to an unhealthy gut. Inflammation in the gut from a poor diet may cause skin irritation. 

How you can improve your gut health

If you’re experiencing any of these, then don’t worry, there are ways to improve gut health. You just have to make some changes.

Start by eating a diverse range of food

Eating a diverse diet rich in whole foods, fruits and vegetables is a great place to start in terms of improving your gut health. After all, they’re the best sources of nutrients for a healthy microbiota. They’re high in fiber, which normalizes bowel movements, prevents the growth of some disease-causing bacteria, and overall enhances gut health.

Eat whole grains

Whole grains contain lots of fibre and non-digestible carbs that can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria within the gut. These changes to the gut can improve aspects of metabolic health. 

Eat fermented foods

Fermented foods are foods altered by microbes. The process of fermenting usually involves bacteria or yeast converting the sugar in food to organic acid. Foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut and kombucha (although kombucha is a beverage) can improve digestion, boost metabolism, reduce inflammation, and more! 

A change in diet can make a world of difference, but your change doesn’t have to be drastic. You can always start small. Start by adding some kombucha to your diet. You can drink it with your lunch or dinner as it is a healthy alternative to sodas or juice. Best of all, they come in delicious flavours. These are some of my favourites:

In Health and Wellness,

Nadia La Russa

Click here to learn more about my small-batch, big-love fermentery in Thunder Bay. 

Click here to learn more about the other kombucha business I recently acquired in Thunder Bay. 

Click here to learn more about how kombucha can benefit your body.

How Kombucha Can Benefit Your Body | Nadia La Russa

How Kombucha Can Benefit Your Body

If you know me, then chances are, the topic of kombucha and gut health has come up once or twice. Not only do I own two fermentary businesses in Thunder Bay, but I also regularly brew kombucha and create other delicious fermented foods. If you’re interested in learning more about how kombucha can benefit your body, read below for a detailed breakdown, and of course, reach out to me if you have any questions at all!

So, what exactly is kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented tea that originated in China and is believed to have healing powers that bring health and longevity. Kombucha also contains antioxidants and is rich in probiotics, which means it can also kill harmful bacteria and fight multiple diseases.

Keep on reading to learn about some of the different ways kombucha can help you!

Kombucha can be as beneficial as green tea

Green tea is one of the healthiest drinks on the planet because it contains micronutrients such as polyphenols which act as a powerful antioxidant in the body. Some kombucha is made from green tea, such as this Plain Jane Kombucha blend from Narrow Gate Foods, which includes the same micronutrients and can give you the same benefits.

Many studies have shown that regularly drinking green tea can help your body burn more calories, reduce belly fat, improve cholesterol levels, and more. Adding kombucha to your diet can give you those same benefits as green tea.

Kombucha contains antioxidants

Antioxidants protect your cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease and more. Free radicals are produced when your body breaks down food or when your body is exposed to different toxins. Scientists believe that antioxidants from foods and beverages are way better for your health than any supplements. 

Kombucha, especially when it’s made with green tea, has antioxidant effects on your liver, and recent animal studies show that consistently drinking kombucha can reduce liver toxicity by almost 70%.

Although no human studies currently exist on this topic, there are many promising fields of research for people with liver disease. 

Kombucha is an excellent source of Vitamin B12

Did you know that kombucha is an excellent source of vitamin B12? That’s right! B12 is an essential nutrient to have in your body because without it, you might feel fatigued, weak, experience gastrointestinal disturbances, and more. B12 can be found in many types of meat and animal products, but if you are a vegetarian or vegan, Kombucha is a great option.

Fermented beverages like kombucha are rich in B12, and regular consumption will ensure that your level of B12 is high. 

Kombucha is an excellent source of probiotics

Probiotics are found in many fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut, and since kombucha is a fermented product, you can find several probiotics bacteria in it. Probiotic bacteria can help balance the gut microbiome and improve digestion, inflammation and even help with weight loss. Who doesn’t want that?

If you’re looking to improve your health, then I suggest you add kombucha to your diet! It’s a healthy alternative to many other beverages like sodas or juice and also comes in many refreshing flavours, and they taste great! Here is a list of my favourites (if you’re in Thunder Bay or anywhere else in Ontario, be sure to check them out!): 

These kombuchas are great if you’re just trying kombucha for the first time:

In Health and Wellness,

Nadia La Russa

Click here to learn more about Narrow Gate Foods, my small-batch, big-love fermentery in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Click here to learn more about Kumbaya Kombucha, another fermentery in Thunder Bay that I recently purchased.

Eat These Foods to Balance Out Your Blood Sugar | Nadia La Russa

Eat These Foods to Balance Out Your Blood Sugar

Balanced blood sugar levels are crucial to a healthy and prosperous life. Balanced blood sugar levels prevent disruption of your body’s functions and help your overall health. Here are a few foods to add to your diet to help balance your blood sugar:

Balance Out Your Blood Sugar With Greens

You can never eat too many greens. For the best blood sugar benefits, go for nutrient-dense, low-carb greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli. These greens are also very rich in protein and calcium, which help your body in multiple areas. You can toss these greens in salads with olive oil and chunks of salmon. Studies have shown that these three vegetables contribute to dramatic improvement in patients who are constantly battling with their blood sugar.

Low Fructose Fruits

Fruit is always a must, but for blood sugar-specific management, choose fruits that are low fructose, such as cantaloupe, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, and blackberries. You can snack on them throughout the day, or toss them in your salad, smoothies, or acai bowls.

Protein In Moderation Will Help Regulate Your Blood Sugar

Protein is essential for slowing down glucose absorption in your body, which helps regulate your blood sugar levels. Add foods to your diet that are packed with protein, like wild salmon and other types of fish, beef and other types of lean meat, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and eggs. Make your diet interesting; try snack ideas like celery sticks dipped in all-natural peanut butter. This snack is rich in protein and only contains the good kind of fat. Remember everything in moderation, however. Too much protein actually can become sugar in your blood, creating a condition called gluconeogenesis; 40 to 70 grams of protein is enough for a day.

Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices are natural supplements for balancing your blood sugar levels. They not only add flavor to your dishes but they may also help your hormones lower your blood sugar. Some spices, like turmeric, contain anti-inflammatory properties, which help in balancing out your sugar.

Cutting Out Sugary Drinks Will Help Bring Down Your Blood Sugar Levels

Cut out sugary, high-calorie drinks from your diet. Add drinks like cinnamon tea, lemon water, and cucumber juice in your daily routine.

Whole grain foods

Whole grain foods that are also rich in protein, like millet and quinoa, provide and store energy without causing spikes in your blood sugar levels.

Beans

Beans are a good source of protein, low carb, and rich in fiber, all important factors in balancing your blood sugar. Hummus, lentils and garbanzo beans are good examples and great dietary choices. Remember to soak them the night before to promote easier digestion.

Nuts like almonds and walnuts contain healthy amounts of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, and are a low carb snack idea.

Try balancing your blood sugar the natural way by changing the way you eat. You’ll be amazed at the difference!

If you would like to learn more about cutting sugar out of your life, just click here to purchase my Quit Sugar For Life ebook.

Yours in health and wellness,

Nadia La Russa

3 Ways To Feel Younger Overnight

3 Ways To Feel Younger Overnight

Imagine waking up feeling five or even ten years younger in your appearance, confidence, and aura. The secret is in reducing gut inflammation. Gut inflammation can result in a lack of motivation and an increase in autoimmune disorders, tiredness and irritability, leaving you feeling worn-out and exhausted. Does this sound familiar? These three simple steps will have you take control of your gut health and as a result, feeling younger, more vibrant and healthier!

1) Try some bone broth.

Grass-fed bone broth helps to build antibodies, tighten skin cell and can even reduce the appearance of cellulite. It’s packed with gelatin and collagen, which rebuilds your gut lining and helps to strengthen your immune system. Bone broth contains potassium and glycine, which aids in liver detoxification. Enjoy it warm before bed on by itself or in a soup. Grass-fed bone broth can be found at your local health food store.

2) Eliminate sugars, bread and pasta from your diet.

Replace those unhealthy carbs with natural ones like berries or starch vegetables. Gut inflammation is often exacerbated by food sensitivities. Some food sensitivities are so hidden, you may not even know that you have one without an official food sensitivity test. Proactively removing unhealthy carbs and white flours from your diet will aid in the replenishment of your gut lining and reduce the inflammation in your gut.

3) Last but not least, establish a regular, calming evening routine.

Brushing and flossing your teeth every night is crucial to feeling better the next morning. Your mouth is the gateway to your overall health! Spend a little time before bed winding down, reading a book or writing a journal entry. Meditate or go for a moonlight walk. Ensure you are getting at least eight hours of sleep every night and commit to taking a little time out of every day for yourself. The greatest change comes from within and the willingness to commit to the change!

These three simple steps will usher in a big difference in your overall health and wellness. It’s recommended to commit to these lifestyle changes for at least three months to fully repair the inflammation in your gut. By then, you will already have forgotten about those old habits that used to be your norm. That feeling of lethargy and lack of motivation is in the past and you’re well on your way to a healthier, younger you!

Want to take control of your body and health even more? Sign up for my Take Control Weight Loss Program here!

Take Control Weight Loss Program | Nadia La Russa

wrinkles

Say Adios to Your Wrinkles in 5 Steps

Are you struggling to get rid of your wrinkles? It’s very easy to purchase a bunch of expensive creams and lotions, but what if I told you that you could trade in those false promises for natural and healthy lifestyle choices that actually provide results?

The key to diminishing and preventing future wrinkles is right in your home and your day-to-day lifestyle. Consuming high-quality proteins, vegetables and getting adequate sleep can all contribute to decreasing your wrinkles and preventing future ones! I personally use all of these and can honestly say I’m very excited to share this wisdom with you! Read below to find out how you can also take control of your life and say adios to wrinkles.

1) The next time you take a trip to the grocery store, make sure to stock up in the produce department! It’s crucial to consume at least the minimum daily serving requirement of fruits and vegetables to maintain adequate health and diminish the appearance of wrinkles. Limit the consumption of fruits heavy in fructose—or fruit sugar—since fructose, as with all sugars, can increase the appearance of wrinkles. Stick with fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, lemons, and bananas.

2) Toss out the refined sugar and replace artificial sweeteners with organic, natural sweeteners such as Agave, Raw Local Honey, and Stevia. Excessive sugar consumption can damage your liver and cause breaks in your DNA, leading to autoimmune disorders. Consume any sugar, including fruit sugar, in moderation. Training your body to break the habits of sugar-overloads is key in being an overall healthier you and saying goodbye to those wrinkles!

3) Get outside and into the sun! Moderate sunshine provides your body with necessary Vitamin D to replenish the vitamins and elasticity in your skin. Aim for at least 15 minutes a day of moderate exposure, but be sure to slather on your SPF. Re-apply as needed and always take all other precautions if you’re planning any prolonged periods of sun exposure.

4) Commit to a life-long relationship with coconut. Replacing vegetable or canola oil with coconut oil and olive oil is a simple way to slow your skin’s aging. Add a tablespoon of coconut oil to your morning smoothie, indulge in some coconut crisps, replace standard dairy with coconut milk, or rub unrefined coconut oil on your problem spots.

wrinkles

5) RELAX. Stress is one of the primary contributors to premature aging because it reduces the natural collagen and elasticity in your skin essential to preventing wrinkles. Start every morning off right with a few minutes of meditation. Read a good book, go for a walk, or relax by the beach after a long day at work. Remember to take a little time out of the day for yourself. A stress-free lifestyle is one that reaps astounding rewards!

These five simple steps are a great start to a healthier, younger, wrinkle-free appearance. Make small changes to your time and energy and see how that healthy, natural glow blossoms!

Want to take control of your body and health even more? Sign up for my Take Control Weight Loss Program here!

Take Control Weight Loss Program | Nadia La Russa

4 Benefits of Working with a Personal Coach

4 Benefits of Working with a Personal Coach

In each of our lives, there are inflection points, moments in which we have key choices to make in our careers or personal lives.  Perhaps you’re trying to decide whether to remain in your current job or return to school to obtain new training or a degree or even to take those special skills of yours and strike out on your own as a business entrepreneur.  Whatever the challenge, you don’t have to make these critical choices on your own.  There are skilled professionals who have the training and experience to help—personal coaches.

A personal coach will help motivate you and clarify your goals so you can make informed decisions and improve the quality of your life.  Personal coaches are skilled communicators and motivators with powerful people and organizational skills.  Although there is no specific degree program that directly prepares people to become personal coaches, most have experience in counseling, consulting, social work, teaching, or human resource management—and many have obtained specialized post-graduate training to enhance their effectiveness.

If you’ve never worked with a personal coach but are considering hiring one to get you from where you are to where you want to go, you probably want to know the precise ways in which a personal coach can help you.  Specifically, your personal coach will help you:

  1. Clarify your goals:  success is at the intersection of what you love doing and what you do better than almost anyone else.  A personal coach will help you identify those activities which energize and motivate you, and then determine from among these the ones in which you excel.  For example, you might be the person to whom everyone comes when they have a problem because they know you’ll be compassionate and have the skills to find a solution—but it might never have occurred to you that those people and problem-solving skills would make you a successful counselor or psychologist.  Your coach will not only help you identify your skills and competencies, but also show you what steps you need to take to launch a new career which better meets your needs.
  2. Stick to your plan:  one of the reasons people’s plans fall off the rails is that they encounter obstacles and eventually lose interest.  A personal coach will help you understand that those obstacles are part of the process of making progress and help you keep your eyes on the prize.   In those moments when you’ve experienced failure and begin to lose heart, your coach will remind you of how much progress you’ve already made and help you understand how much closer you are to your goal today than you were yesterday.
  3. Give objective feedback:  if you’ve ever shared a problem with a friend or family member, only to hear them tell you what they think you want to hear, you know how valuable unbiased feedback can be.  Your coach is there to ensure that you make progress towards your goals—when your coach evaluates the actions you need to take, he or she will do so objectively, providing an honest and forthright assessment of what you’re doing right—and what you’re doing wrong.
  4. Focus on you:  as much as those close to you want to help, they have problems and concerns of their own.  Your coach has a single-minded purpose—to help you.  You will always have his or her complete attention, unimpeded by his or her own concerns and issues.

Conclusion

Anything worth doing requires both hard work and a commitment strong enough to carry you through the rough patches and obstacles in your way.  By working with a personal coach, you will have a determined and constant advocate who will help you move outside of your comfort zone to face whatever challenges are in your way.   Personal coaching will enhance your personal development, help you achieve your career goals, and ensure you take the actions necessary to get you where you need to be, and where you want to go.

Want to find out more about Nadia’s take control coaching program? Find out more here!

The Mind is a Powerful Motivator for Success

A powerful mindset is a valuable asset in your quest for success. The health of your mind and your body are directly connected and have influential power. Do you really believe you can succeed in your work life and relationships? The answer to this question will often be the deciding factor in whether you succeed or fail.

Affirmations

Reciting affirmations is a key method to keeping your mindset powerful. You will need to begin by focusing your goals and positive thoughts and writing them down on a sheet of paper.

Negative Example: “I am terrible at doing my job.”

Positive Example: “I make wise business decisions.”

Spend a short time revising these statements until you think they accurately describe your values and your goals. Reciting these affirmations daily will help you convince your mind they are true.

Perhaps you are thinking, “what is this trickery?” Affirmations are not magic, you are simply tapping into the power that your mind holds over your decisions and pursuits. Conversely, negative affirmations are the natural enemy of wise decisions. Often we speak negative affirmations about ourselves unintentionally. The purpose of creating focused, positive affirmations is to combat the temptation to think negative thoughts.

Positive Thinking

Similar to affirmations, positive thinking is a powerful yet simple tool to help you succeed. Positive thinkers are more adept at trudging through difficulties and failures. Imagine a time you failed at something and reacted with a negative mindset; most likely you didn’t try again. Reacting positively to failures will help you get back up and try again. Once you recognize a failure as a positive stepping stone to your next success, it will be easier to react in a positive manner.

Negative Example: “I failed my latest business presentation, so I must be terrible at public speaking.”

Positive Example: “This new product I created has a fatal flaw, but I know how to fix it and I will create a better product!”

Try to reframe how you approach failure. Combat negative feelings with positive thinking and you will begin to see an improved attitude.

Journaling

Many people benefit from the act of journaling. This could mean you write a log of your day before bed, or maybe you write your plan for the day in the morning. The act of physically writing these words helps release tension built-up during the day. In the morning, it will help get your powerful mindset ready for the day.

Journaling can also be used with positive affirmations. Try writing your positive affirmations in your journal in the morning and write your plan for the day. You will be pleased to find how well your mind will follow your direction.

Mindfulness and Meditation

It is important to create time to recharge and be calm, especially during a stressful week. Recharging can help you think more clearly to make the best decisions possible. Are mindfulness and meditation the same thing? Not really. Mindfulness is the act of “being present” wherever you are; it really is just a focused form of meditation. Practically, this could look like avoiding the temptation to “hurry.” Focus on one task at a time. Don’t worry about the past or future; pay attention to what you are doing at that moment. This can be accomplished anywhere.

As for meditation, this is a dedicated time intended to clear your mind and relax your body. Many people find that they cannot withstand silence for a couple of minutes; this improves with practice. If you give yourself even just one minute each day to meditate and be still you will quickly notice the benefits emerge. Perhaps you find yourself frustrated most days at work feeling frantic about project deadlines. With scheduled meditation, you will notice you become calmer during a stressful situation. Meditation is simple: try taking 1-5 minutes to yourself in the morning. Start by sitting comfortable and tall. Focus on your breath as you inhale and exhale. As you sit calmly and breathe, your thoughts will slow and you will become calm. Meditation takes practice so be gentle with yourself in the beginning stages. Additionally, one way to combine mindfulness and meditation is to focus on a specific affirmation. Speak this affirmation repeatedly during your meditation.

Used diligently, these tips will help you create a powerful mindset and set you up for success in your work life and relationships.

 

If you would like to learn more about creating a powerful mindset, then contact me to find out more about my Take Control Coaching program!

 

Waking Up at 4AM is AWESOME

Why waking up at 4am every day is AWESOME!

I set my alarm for 4am every day.

Over the last two years, I have developed the habit of preserving my quiet morning time to meditate, pray, do a bit of yoga, read, or even mindlessly scroll through social media.  Most of the time, when someone new figures this out, I get one of a few canned reactions:

  1. You’re crazy
  2. I could NEVER do that
  3. Wow, that’s amazing, I wish I could do that.

Here’s the great news – you CAN. Everyone can.  And, although it takes getting used to, I’d never go back to the days of waking up straight into the morning rush-around.

Mornings can be pure evil

Why waking up at 4am is AWESOME!For many of us, mornings are pure evil. The anxiety-inducing buzz of the alarm, bare feet on a floor that feels like the polar ice cap, bleary, crusty eyes that only open halfway, and the endless trudge to the coffee pot (seriously, why does the walk to the coffee pot feel like running a marathon?). Oh, and let’s not forget the fact that you look, smell, and sound like a monster that just crawled out of the world’s deepest, darkest trench. To top it all off, your roommate/partner/spouse is a (gasp!) morning person. He or she seems to literally jump out of her bed looking like someone who just spent five days at a spa. They’re beaming from ear to ear, grinning like some kind of maniacal clown, going on and on about their incredibly detailed plans for the day–all the while singing and laughing in an insanely bubbly voice. As you respond to the endless babbling with a few caveman grunts here and there, you wonder how in the world anyone could possibly be like this every single morning. Although it’s hard to believe, there are a lot of morning people in the world, and following just a few of these tips could help you wake up a lot earlier with a lot less struggle:

Ease into it

Turning into an early bird isn’t going to happen overnight. You have to ease into it. If you normally get up at 7:00 am (meaning physically getting out of bed, not the first of seven times that your alarm goes off), don’t think you’re just magically going to start getting up at 5:00 am. Instead, aim for small goals–baby steps. Try getting up at 6:45 for a while, until it feels comfortable (you don’t have to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed like your roommate, but a bit more than barely functional is helpful). Once you are comfortable with your new time, creep it up another 15 minutes. Repeat the process until you reach your final goal.

Imagine

Imagine what you would do with your morning if you could wake up and hop out of bed without needing a gallon of coffee just to open your left eye (the right one takes another gallon). Let your imagination run wild–you could finish that book you’ve been reading for roughly two years, start a yoga routine, enjoy some early morning gardening, or even go for a run (okay, okay, let’s not push it). Whatever you imagine you could do with that extra time, let it be your inspiration.

Why waking up at 4am is AWESOME!Wake up to something pleasant

I’m not sure who came up with the idea that alarms had to be, well, alarming. Maybe it wasn’t the brightest idea to have the first thing you hear every day be a sound akin to someone hammering nails into your eardrums. None of us like waking up wondering if the house is on fire or if that’s just the alarm clock. So find an alternative. Ditch that vexing old alarm clock and try something new. Waking up to music can be very pleasant, or check out some nature sounds apps–you could be waking up to the sounds of rolling waves on the beach rather than a five-alarm fire.

No more excuses

As we talked about earlier, this isn’t a change that is going to happen overnight. There are some days that are going to be much tougher than others–days when you’ll want to give in to temptation and start beating on that snooze button. You’ll justify it with excuses–it’s so cold, I was up late last night, I don’t feel like making coffee, there’s nothing to eat for breakfast, I have so much to do and it’s going to be a bad day… In order for this new morning schedule to work, you have to make it tougher to find an excuse. Put slippers near your bed to combat your icy floor, program your coffee pot the night before (not only will it be piping hot and ready when you wake up, the smell will make you hop right out of bed!), prep simple breakfast foods (cut up fruit and store it in the fridge, stock up on yogurt, pour single-servings of cereal in small Tupperware bowls), and get organized. It can be tough to get up when your day feels like a hot mess before you even open your eyes–even a simple list of the things you need to accomplish each day can help. Write it out the night before and stick it on the fridge to help you feel less frazzled in the morning.

Keep a log

Although the actual getting-out-of-bed part is going to be hard, you’re going to notice a lot of benefits once you start waking up earlier. You’ll feel less stressed, you’ll be able to take your time, you’ll be more productive, and you’ll eat a better breakfast. Keep a log of all the changes (even tiny ones!) that you notice as you start the process of waking up earlier. Keep track of how much you get done in the first few hours of your day as opposed to how productive you were when you slept later. You’ll be surprised at how much of a positive impact getting up a little early will have on your life.

It takes perseverance

Changing your sleep pattern to wake earlier isn’t an easy thing to do, but it can be done with a little perseverance. There are many benefits to being an early riser–according to Forbes magazine, early birds are more enthusiastic, better problem solvers, better planners, more productive, more optimistic, in better shape, and get this–they sleep better (research shows that people who go to bed earlier and wake up earlier get more restorative sleep). So while you are adjusting to your new wake-up time, just remember all these benefits and keep imagining what you’re going to do with all that extra quiet time.

See you in the morning!