Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.
The early bird gets the worm, they say. But if getting up to rise and shine is so advantageous, why is it so difficult to get up in the morning? We’re not pushing ourselves to wake up earlier than generations past or physically laboring as hard as our ancestors, so getting enough rest shouldn’t be such a challenge. Whatever the underlying reasons may be, there are things you can do to help make yourself more of a morning person. Having a better start to the day is as simple as following these 15 tips.
1. Get in a Routine
Our bodies crave a consistent schedule. Keeping a general routine in the evening can train our bodies to release melatonin, a natural substance that aids in sleepiness. Take about an hour to relax, drink a cup of tea, and unwind. Eventually, your body will expect to be ready for bed at about the same time every night.
2. Gradually Move Up Bedtime
Once you have established a routine, gradually move up your bedtime by 15 minutes. This will train your body to wind down sooner. You can also move up your alarm clock to wake you up 15 minutes earlier. Do this slowly to gently guide yourself into becoming a morning person.
3. Avoid Late Night Commitments
There comes a point in the evening when you must focus on yourself and say no to external distractions or work activities. Turn off your emails and phone notifications, and get into your nightly routine of winding down. Sleep experts suggest you allow a full hour of no responsibilities to reduce stress and prepare for a full night’s sleep.
4. Eat/Drink Smart
Going to bed with a full belly can disrupt your quality of sleep. You also don’t want to go to bed after a lot of drinking, as late-night trips to the bathroom can affect REM cycles. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages and drink water to avoid those late-night bathroom trips.
5. Avoid Screen Time
Sleep experts suggest you avoid staring at your phones, tablets, or televisions for at least an hour before you head to bed. Any light source can disrupt circadian rhythms, making it difficult to maintain positive sleep cycles. Read or listen to a book or a podcast instead of scrolling through social media; you will feel much better in the morning.
6. Get Cozy
Everyone has their preference for bedroom room temperature, so find that perfect spot for you and get cozy. This also includes killing the lights and blocking out external noise. All this, plus adding quality bed sheets and comforters, will lead to better sleep and a more leisurely morning of waking up.
7. Don’t Wait for Your Alarm
If you wake up a few minutes before your alarm is set to go off, it might be tempting to go back to sleep for the remaining time. Don’t do it. Bite the bullet and get up. Waking up means you are in a light sleep stage, meaning you’re naturally waking up. Falling back to sleep could drop you into a deeper stage, making it harder to return from it.
8. Choose the Right Alarm Sound
There are many more options than the blaring fire alarm of a wake-up call we used to use. Instead, choose a pleasant tone that gradually becomes louder as you let it go on. This will wake your body gradually instead of jerking you awake with the bold, jarring, old-school alarm.
9. Stay Positive
Staying positive when you have to get out of your cozy bed might be one of the hardest things to do in the morning. However, motivating yourself to get out of bed will be easier if you try to focus on the parts of your day you’re excited about. This might not be easy the first few mornings, but stick to it and make a habit of this positive thinking.
10. Try a Sleep App
Many sleep apps aim to monitor your sleep scientifically. You might have underlying issues that are affecting your quality of sleep. Conditions like sleep apnea can be treated and help prevent future issues that can cause serious problems.
11. Make the Most of Your Mornings
Enjoy that morning cup of coffee instead of rushing around like a maniac. You no longer have to rush to get everything ready for your day. Morning relaxation can help you be more productive and positive in the workplace.
12. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Fueling up with a healthy, well-balanced breakfast can give you the proper energy to get you through your mornings. No more being hangry in those early meetings. You might even look forward to your morning coffee and breakfast, eventually making it easier to wake up without hitting the snooze button.
13. Work Out in the Morning
Planning and sticking to a morning workout routine can give you the energy to get through your day. Try to convince a workout buddy or a morning class to commit to, and keep you on track and accountable. Morning workouts also help your body feel tired in the evening, helping you fall asleep faster.
14. Upgrade Your Mattress
Most people spend a third of their life on their mattress. Don’t you want the best mattress on the market? Switching out old mattresses every five to 10 years is recommended, so invest in a quality product next time you shop for a new one.
15. Place Your Alarm Across the Room
This will really get you out of bed. Try placing your alarm on a dresser or bookshelf where you must get out of bed to turn it off. This will guarantee you get up and don’t hit the snooze button. After that, you can splash some water on your face and be ready to start your morning routine.
