Many of us can relate to the joy of a good night’s sleep. Our beds, soft and warm, become our favorite retreat, making it all the more difficult to rise in the morning. However, embracing early mornings can transform your day, offering more time for personal pursuits, family connection, and self-care. If you’ve ever wished for more hours in your day, waking up early could be the solution.
Early mornings also provide an opportunity to set intentions for the day, eliminating the rush and stress of a tight schedule. My journey to becoming a morning person has been significant; I was once a night owl, scrambling to get ready in just twenty minutes before heading out the door. However, my morning routine has evolved, allowing me to find time for what truly matters, even amidst a busy lifestyle.
HOW TO BECOME A MORNING PERSON
START THE NIGHT BEFORE
One of the most fundamental steps is to go to bed early. While it may seem obvious, transitioning from being a night owl to an early sleeper is challenging. During my college years, studying late at night felt most productive for me. However, this habit left me exhausted during the day. When I decided to shift my bedtime earlier, I found it hard to fall asleep initially. To ease into this change, start by setting a bedtime just thirty minutes earlier than usual for a week. Gradually increase it by half an hour until it becomes a habit. I also recommend keeping water on your nightstand for hydration upon waking and taking magnesium before bed for relaxation. If needed, opt for soothing chamomile tea to help you unwind.
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WATCH YOUR DIET AND CAFFEINE INTAKE
Since switching to a plant-based diet, I’ve noticed a marked improvement in my ability to sleep soundly and wake up refreshed. Avoid heavy, fried meals before bedtime and be cautious of sugary drinks, many of which contain high levels of caffeine. For instance, I used to rely on multiple cans of Redbull to stay awake, only to feel sluggish the next day. Conversely, while I enjoy coffee, consuming it too late in the day disrupts my sleep. Caffeine can restrict blood flow and elevate heart rate, leading to difficulty focusing and functioning due to dehydration during the night.
COME UP WITH A BEDTIME ROUTINE
Creating a calming bedtime routine can help signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. Dedicate at least an hour to unwind from the day’s activities. Given the busy lifestyle many of us lead, it’s essential to allow time to slow down at night. Open your bedroom windows to let in fresh air and make your sleeping space cozy. To avoid racing thoughts, consider practicing breathing exercises, meditating, or journaling before bed.
FIND A REASON WORTH WAKING UP EARLY
While I was once productive at night, I’ve discovered the quiet serenity of early mornings. This peaceful time allows me to work, write, or simply enjoy a leisurely breakfast before daily distractions begin. Getting up early helps remove the stress of a rushed morning, enabling a more relaxed start to the day. Personally, I enjoy writing during these tranquil hours.
HOW TO BECOME A MORNING PERSON: START SLOW
If you usually wake at 7 a.m., don’t expect to shift to 6 a.m. immediately. Begin by waking just 15 minutes earlier, and as it becomes easier, adjust further by fifteen-minute increments.
PUT A PAIR OF SOCKS ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND
One struggle I faced was feeling cold in the morning. Now, as soon as my alarm goes off at 5 a.m., I put on my socks before fully waking. This simple trick has proven effective for me.
FIND AN ALARM SYSTEM THAT WORKS FOR YOU
Many suggest either avoiding the snooze button or placing your alarm out of reach, but those don’t work for me. Instead, I use an app that requires me to solve a simple math problem to turn it off. Also, avoid using a song you love as your alarm; you’ll soon come to dislike it.
DO SOMETHING THAT YOU ENJOY, FIRST THING IN THE MORNING
Right after brushing your teeth, focus on doing something enjoyable. Having a small routine you look forward to can make it easier to rise early.
GET UP AT THE SAME TIME, EVERY DAY
Establishing a consistent wake-up time is vital for habit formation. While I don’t rise at 5:30 a.m. on weekends, I still wake around 7 or 8 a.m. Over time, this routine can help reset your internal clock, making alarms unnecessary.
GET GOING, AS SOON AS YOU OPEN YOUR EYES
It’s tempting to linger in bed, especially when it’s warm and cozy. However, getting up right away can help prevent the urge to go back to sleep. Personally, I find that once I start my morning routine, I’m fully awake and ready for the day. Utilizing The Five Second Rule is also helpful for me in this regard.
This journey to reclaiming my mornings has helped me feel more focused and grounded amidst life’s challenges. To stay committed, it’s crucial to be willing to transform your habits, adhere to a plan, and dedicate yourself to this process daily.
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