As individuals, we often find ourselves categorized as either “morning people” or “night owls”.
The differences between these two categories can be quite striking, and being a morning person specifically carries with it certain psychological traits.
Being a morning person is about embracing the day with energy and positivity.
Morning people, or “larks” as they are sometimes called, tend to exhibit distinctive traits—however, these traits are not merely about when they choose to rise and shine or when they reach their peak productivity levels.
There is a lot more that psychology has to say about morning people.
In this article, we’re going to delve into the six key traits that you’re likely to display if you consider yourself a morning person.
So, grab your morning coffee and let’s get started:
1) You wake up early
Morning larks have an intuitive, natural inclination to rise with the sun.
As a morning person, you might find yourself naturally waking up early, even on weekends or during vacations.
You don’t need an alarm clock to jolt you out of bed; instead, your internal body clock is set to early morning hours.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re bouncing out of bed with boundless energy every day.
But even on days when you’re tempted to hit snooze, your overall preference leans towards starting your day while the rest of the world is still asleep.
You enjoy the quiet and solitude that comes with being an early riser, finding peace in starting your day before the hustle and bustle sets in.
2) You are proactive and conscientious
Morning people often have a preference for completing tasks early in the day—this is a general mentality of wanting to be ahead of the curve.
You’re inclined to set goals and make plans first thing in the morning, or you might have a to-do list ready the night before, and you feel a sense of accomplishment in ticking off tasks as the day begins.
This proactive nature extends beyond just daily tasks and chores, including your forward-thinking in your life decisions, anticipating challenges, and preparing for them in advance.
Being a morning person is being a step ahead — planning and executing those plans efficiently.
3) You appreciate downtime
Contrary to the common image of morning people as relentless go-getters, many actually value and prioritize downtime.
Relishing in the moments of calm and tranquility, you would enjoy engaging in a slow, mindful breakfast routine, a solitary jog at sunrise, or simply taking a few moments to breathe in the fresh morning air.
This appreciation for downtime comes to understanding the importance of balance and self-care.
Starting the day on a positive note, and recharging your mental and emotional batteries before the demands of the day kick in are the best ways to begin your day.
4) You struggle with late-night socializing
Let’s be real: being a morning person isn’t always sunshine and rainbows—it comes with its fair share of struggles, especially when it comes to late-night socializing.
Experiencing difficulty to keep up with friends or colleagues who prefer to hang out or party late into the night would include feeling drained or out of sorts as the night progresses, simply because your body is wired to shut down early.
While you love your friends and enjoy their company, you often find yourself checking the time, longing for your cozy bed, or turning down invitations or leaving gatherings early, which can leave you feeling like a bit of a party-pooper.
But that’s okay—being a morning person means embracing this truth, even if it feels a bit inconvenient at times.
5) You’re less likely to procrastinate
An interesting study found that the tendency to procrastinate is stronger in night owls than in morning people, and the reasons go beyond simple preferences.
Research highlights that later chronotypes—those who naturally function better at night—are often forced to wake up earlier than their biological rhythms prefer, leading to what’s known as circadian misalignment.
This means that night owls often operate in a constant state of adjustment, requiring greater self-regulation to manage their day-to-day responsibilities.
6) You’re agreeable and cooperative
Speaking of societal factors, you’re also more agreeable and cooperative if you’re a morning person.
Studies show that morning larks tend to exhibit higher levels of agreeableness, which means they’re more inclined to prioritize harmony, work well in teams, and avoid unnecessary conflict.
Again, this might stem from their natural alignment with societal rhythms, which often results in a smoother integration into group settings and shared schedules.
Being agreeable doesn’t mean you shy away from standing up for yourself—it means you’re skilled at finding common ground and fostering positive interactions with others.
This cooperative nature often shines in both personal and professional relationships.
For example, morning people are more likely to take initiative in group tasks, communicate effectively, and approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset.
They’re often the ones who set the tone for collaboration, whether it’s by being the first to contribute ideas in a meeting or by diffusing tension in a tricky situation.
Their balanced and proactive approach makes them dependable and easy to work with, creating an environment where others feel supported and understood.
If you thrive in the mornings, your agreeable nature might just be the secret to your strong connections and effective teamwork.
Final thoughts
Reading through these traits, you may have realized that you’re naturally a morning person or found that you don’t quite fit into that mold—and that’s okay.
Being a morning person is about recognizing and embracing your natural rhythm.
If mornings are your prime time, enjoy those early hours and be productive—if they’re not, celebrate your unique strengths and when you feel most energized.
In the end, whether we’re early birds or night owls, what truly matters is respecting our natural tendencies and finding ways to live in harmony with them.
So take a moment now to reflect: What does your natural rhythm look like? How can you better align your lifestyle with your unique sleep-wake cycle?
And most importantly, how can you honor your natural rhythm in a way that allows you to thrive?
These are questions worth pondering as you navigate the journey of understanding yourself better.
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