You may or may not have read articles recently featuring people discussing getting up earlier and how it has changed their lives. Either way, it is a thing many people are talking about.

Getting up very early isn't something new to me.

When I worked I got up much earlier than I needed to so that the mornings weren't a rush and I had time to myself and I have continued to do so (on and off) ever since being a housewife.

Don't get me wrong it can be bloody hard work getting up early, especially at this time of year when the mornings are staying darker longer but trust me, it is worth it. I don't know the science behind what it does to your mind but it makes you feel amazing.

My thinking is it is because you feel more assertive, proactive and so you get more shit done. I feel much happier when I am busy, when I procrastinate it just makes me feel down. By getting up early you could have already got a wash load out on the line and a second load nearly done. You could have cleaned the bathroom and downstairs loo. Had a shower and put your make up on and even had time to relax with a cup of coffee. All before 9am.

By getting up early I am seizing the day and making the most of my time. And it feels good. When I waste a day it makes me feel depressed.

As I said previously, and as I'm sure most of you know, getting up early isn't easy. As soon as the alarm goes off the automatic reaction to it is to press snooze. You know you still have time left before you really need to get up so what's the harm in staying in bed an extra ten minutes eh? You have to fight that urge to stay in bed.

Don't think about it just get up.

Splash your face with cold water and go straight downstairs to pour a glass of water and make yourself a coffee. (If you live alone, be sure to make your bed before you go downstairs that is really important) you will be wide awake within minutes.

Because I get up early in the morning it does mean that I am in bed by 10pm most nights (sometimes 9pm!) but I really like being in a good sleep routine and I really like how productive my days are now. To be as organised as possible I recommend writing a (realistic) to - do list for each day and go to bed reminding yourself of what you want to achieve the next day. That way you are falling asleep with the positive notion that tomorrow will be a good, successful and happy day.

Give it a go, I really recommend it. You will find time to fit in so much more stuff like that exercise DVD you keep putting off or deleting all of those unread marketing emails that have built up (just me that likes a nice clean and tidy inbox? OK) everyone has the same amount of time in a day, it is just how you choose to utilise it that makes the difference.

If you are susceptible to low moods and depression then I totally recommend trying this new approach to your mornings, while it will take a few days or maybe even a week to get used to it it is totally worth it in the end.