Even if we spend a third of our lives sleeping, most people hate waking up, but there are many benefits to waking up early.

One of the most important reasons to wake up early is that research shows it lowers the risk of depression by 23%.

Scientists aren’t exactly sure why this is the case, but they believe it could be due to the amount of light exposure for early risers versus night owls. In addition, according to USA Today, the world is designed for morning types–work and school start early in the day.

Starting your day early improves your concentration, as well according to Sleepadvisor.org. Those who wake up early often have better brain function and are able to focus on the tasks ahead. Therefore, you are able to learn better, because your brain is awake and ready to process information.

You are also likely to think more clearly in the morning versus afternoon, so you can make better decisions. Setting your goals first thing in the morning will help you achieve them according to the same article on sleepadvisor.org.

If you’re able to focus without interruptions early in the day, you’ll get more completed in your day, thus feeling more accomplished.

Another added benefit is that your skin is at its best first thing in the morning; so early risers tend to have better complexions and skincare routines, according to L’Official.

That being said, there are some tried and true ways to help you wake up better in the mornings.

1 Avoid hitting the snooze button on your phone or alarm clock. You may think you’re “slowly” waking up, when in reality this will make you more groggy. 

According to Reena Mehra, M.D., M.S., Director of Sleep Disorders Research at Cleveland Clinic, “all of that snoozing isn’t helping our bodies get the restorative sleep that we need.”

2. Exposing yourself to light as readily as possible; it may hurt your eyes, but it wakes up your body, according to the CDC. Try opening the curtains or eating outside. Even a bright bathroom light can help. 

3. Make your bed immediately. It gets you out of bed and moving. In addition it gives you an early accomplishment to start your day and keeps you from crawling back under the covers. 

4. Drink orange juice  The sugars in the orange juice give you energy and help you wake up better. If not orange juice, try drinking 2 glasses of water. Both help you  get you up after not drinking anything for the time you were sleeping and it gives you energy and gives your body power. Orange juice is better because it gives you sugar and nutrients that you need to start off your morning.

5. If you get out of bed, but find you can’t get moving, try a short exercise or stretch. Something as simple as jumping jacks or a yoga pose could be enough to alert your body to the day.