Become A Morning Person

It’s safe to say that many of us aren’t morning people. But how we start our day sets the context for how the rest of it will unfold. Not only does waking up early allow more time for both productivity and leisure (bubble bath, anyone?), it can also drastically help to make our days less stressful. So, want to become one of those people who rise before dawn, get a run in and actually have time to sit down and enjoy breakfast? Shooting too far? Ok, maybe you just want to become one of those people who actually appreciate the early hours of the day, rather than loathe them.

Many assume that they simply just aren’t morning people and can’t become one. This assumption is wrong though. While it may be no cakewalk to transform oneself, there are a few simple things you can do to make waking up an easier and happier experience. Test out the following tips and tricks to successfully make the transition.

Prepare ahead of time We all have a morning routine. Why not try and simplify it? Have your next-day essentials ready to go the night before. Maybe this means picking out your outfit, packing your gym bag or preparing lunch. Doing so will allow for you to avoid that panicky, rushed feeling and may give you a few extra minutes to do something you love.

Go to bed earlier Typically, the number main reason individuals struggle to become early risers is that they’re simply too exhausted. So, while this may seem obvious, try your best to get those recommended seven to eight hours of sleep and it will make getting up earlier so much easier.

Keep electronics out Many of us already spend the majority of our day looking at screens, which can be bothersome and overwhelming for our brains. Powering down in the evenings will help your body to slow down and mentally prepare your mind for sleep. The light from digital screens has actually been proven to suppress melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone. So if you find yourself feeling restless, don’t reach for your phone to browse social media, but instead grab a book or brew some herbal tea.

Create the right nighttime environment It’s also important to create a tranquil environment to sleep in. You’ve heard the saying that an uncluttered room lends itself to an uncluttered mind, right? Your room should be a clean and peaceful space used almost solely for sleeping. Pro tip: consider keeping blinds or window shades open so that the sun can greet you first thing in the morning.

Move your alarm clock across the room Move your alarm clock (there’s even more reason to do so if it’s your phone) as far away from the bed as possible. This will force you to have to physically get up and engage in movement (gasp!). Keeping your alarm within reach will only make if easier and more likely for you to hit the snooze button. Also, skip the beeps and blares and set a soothing or uplifting alarm tone.

Pile on the protein for breakfast Tiredness doesn’t just magically disappear from drinking a cup of joe (although the caffeine kick can certainly help). After sleeping all night, our metabolism and blood sugar levels are at their lowest. Therefore, a healthy, hearty, protein-rich breakfast is needed to help us re-energize and take on the day. Make a batch of overnight proats (protein + oatmeal) or whip up a refreshing smoothie to take out the door with you.

Stay hydrated If you’re starting to feel like this is a tip for everything, you’re pretty much right. It’s true though. Dehydration drains oxygen levels, only further making fatigue a regular part of our mornings. Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up and continue to sip it throughout the day.

Workout in the morning In the beginning stages of the day, your willpower is at it’s highest. Take advantage of this. By the time the evening rolls around, we’re way more likely to find excuses not to exercise. Plus, early AM workouts will give you a boost of energy and will also make you more inclined to eat healthier throughout the day.

Commit and stay consistent Try to set your alarm for the same time each morning (yes, even weekends) and this will help to re-adjust your internal clock and make it progressively easier to jump out of bed. Don’t get discouraged if you accidentally sleep in a few times. Establishing a new schedule can take a bit of practice. Keep at it and you’ll eventually get there. What we’re saying is, don’t expect to see results overnight.

So, even if you and the AM have never seen eye-to-eye, you’ve got nothing to fear. We promise you won’t have to carry around a coffee IV all day. Give these tips a try and you’ll be amazed at how much more productive and positive you can be in the early hours.