Being a morning person sounds great in theory until your alarm clock goes off at 6 am, and you barely peel yourself from the cozy confines of your bed. However, there is something so satisfying about waking up before the sun has even made it up over the horizon.
Like many, I find that I am most productive in the morning. Don’t get me wrong, I still thoroughly enjoy sleeping in on a cozy weekend morning. However, at my core, I am a morning person. I thrive in the morning and enjoy having that time to myself. I’ve learned that waking up early is worth the effort, and it has easily become my favorite part of the day.
Being a morning person doesn’t always come naturally. It is something that requires a level of intentionality and discipline. Below are seven habits to implement into your routine to make the most of each day.
A morning person understands the importance of a nighttime routine.
A good night’s rest leads to a more productive morning. Because of this, it’s important to have a good nighttime routine in place. Things to consider are taking a bath, journaling, a comforting drink, stretching, or whatever else helps you wind down at the end of the day.
Also, be mindful of your eating habits. There is an old quote that says, “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.” Nothing is more uncomfortable than being too full at night and having it interfere with your sleep! It is best to have a light dinner at least two hours before bed to allow your body to properly digest your meal and have better overall rest.
Finally, consider turning off your screens at least two hours before bed. If possible, stick to reading. However, if you choose to use a screen, opt for changing out your bulbs to red light or use blue light glasses to reduce sleep interference.
Ben Franklin said, “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” He was right on the money (literally!). All jokes aside, to successfully wake up early in the morning, you need to go to bed at an appropriate time.
Good sleep is so important for many reasons, including increased productivity, restoring our bodies, and just better overall health. Make sure to set a bedtime for yourself that aims for at least eight hours of good, restful sleep each night.
a morning person builds up to their desired wake-up time.
Don’t expect to become a morning person overnight. This will inevitably lead to frustration when you fail in the morning. Instead, think of becoming a morning person as a marathon, not a sprint. Take baby steps towards an earlier waking time, which leads to lasting results and greater overall success.
First, start by deciding what you want your final rising time to be. Say, for instance, you want to start waking up at 6 am each morning. If you are currently waking up at 9 am, start by waking up at 8 am. This means that your bedtime should be no later than midnight to allow for eight hours of sleep. After a couple of nights, adjust your bedtime and wake up a little bit earlier. Repeat this process until you reach your desired wake-up time.
Also, try your best to stick to the same sleep schedule on the weekends. This allows your body to set its circadian rhythm based on your current sleep patterns and habits, eventually allowing you to wake up without an alarm clock. Not using an alarm clock is ideal, as it is a much gentler way to start the day.
a morning person avoids the snooze button.
If you do use an alarm clock, don’t allow it to sabotage your efforts. Fight the temptation and resist the urge to push that snooze button! This only leaves you groggier and more sluggish throughout the morning. I know it’s hard, but force yourself to get up the first time your alarm goes off.
A helpful tip is to put your phone or alarm clock on the other side of the room. This requires you to physically get up and turn off your alarm. Once you are up, use that momentum and continue with your morning. Leave your room as soon as possible to avoid the temptation of getting back in bed.
A morning person prioritizes their morning routine.
You need to have a good “why,” or driving force, for waking up early each morning. This starts by having a solid morning routine in place. Choose two or three non-negotiable activities, and use these as a starting point for creating your morning routine. Activities here can include morning skincare, taking a walk, morning prayer and devotionals, journaling, exercise, or even a fun drink you look forward to each morning.
It takes time to establish a new routine, but soon, it will become an important part of your day. Having activities you enjoy ensures that you are successful, so make sure they are meaningful to you. Use these pockets of bliss in the morning to do the things you love that will set the tone and pace for each day.
a morning person enjoys the benefits of early morning sun.
There are so many benefits to getting sunshine in your eyes first thing in the morning. It can lead to a more regular circadian rhythm, increased energy and focus, reduced stress, and an overall boost in mood. Also, don’t forget to get outside on those cloudy or rainy days, too, because even if you can’t see the sun, you are still reaping its benefits!
If possible, aim for at least fifteen minutes outside each morning. This can be in the form of a morning walk or even just sitting on your porch enjoying your favorite breakfast beverage. It doesn’t matter, and the benefits you receive are so beneficial. Remember, your body needs sunlight to produce vitamin D, which is essential for your body to function properly.
A morning person is mindful of when they exercise.
Having a consistent workout routine is important to your overall health and well-being. However, the timing of a workout can also affect your quality of sleep, making it more difficult to wake up early in the morning. For some people, working out too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep. Instead, consider working out in the morning. This way, it is done and out of the way, leading to a more productive day. Those morning endorphins also help get the day started on the best foot possible.
A morning person avoids caffeine in the afternoon.
Finally, having caffeine too late in the day can also impede your ability to become a morning person. Caffeine is meant to wake us up, so having it too close to bedtime can certainly affect sleep quality. As a good rule of thumb, try to avoid caffeine after two in the afternoon.
These simple habits are things you can start doing today to get a better night’s rest, wake up early, and be more productive throughout the day. Waking up early is easily the smartest thing I’ve done when it comes to getting more done and staying on task. Oftentimes, by the time my kids wake up for the day, I have essentially had a “day” before my actual day has even begun. Trust me, it feels so good to check off those to-do’s each night and know that you have made the most of each day.
