Written by: Lisa Grzebik
Waking up early in the Morning has many perks. Among the benefits are increased productivity, improved mental health, time to exercise, and an easier commute to work or school. Starting your day early can also grant you a stronger sense of optimism. You may have to Wake up early out of necessity if you need to be at work or school. If you don’t have these responsibilities, it may be more difficult to find the motivation to get up earlier. Whether you want to prevent rushing to work or you just want to enjoy being awake as the sun rises, there are some simple steps you can take to help you wake up earlier.
To help achieve a positive start to your day, turn off the snooze function on your alarm. The snooze function can tempt you to fall back asleep. If you actively attempt to avoid the day ahead, this can give you a negative outlook on the rest of your day. Your attitude when you wake up will set the mood for your day, so it is best to greet the morning with enthusiasm. Also, abusing the snooze function can interrupt your Sleep cycle when you wake up to turn off the alarm. These short bursts of sleep are not helpful and only waste time. If necessary, you can place your alarm somewhere where you must get out of bed to turn it off. Be sure it is still close enough to hear it when it goes off!
One of the best ways to encourage yourself to wake up early is to establish a routine. It is easier to wake up before the sun rises if you have a goal in mind. Your purpose for getting up early doesn’t necessarily have to be highly productive. It could be as simple as having time to listen to your favorite podcast. Some free time to yourself in the morning is wonderful since it is a quiet time free from interruptions. A great way to make use of this time is to cook yourself breakfast. It is nice to have time to enjoy something more substantial than the same granola bar each morning. Getting up at the same time every day is beneficial, but your food doesn’t have to be the same every day! Having time to make breakfast will allow you to enjoy more variety for this important meal.
Many people enjoy exercise as part of their morning routine. Some simple stretching after getting out of bed will help prevent you from experiencing stiffness throughout the day. If you enjoy being outdoors, a short jog or a brisk walk is a healthy way to wake up your senses. You may prefer to exercise indoors if it is cold outside. There are many good resources available for free on YouTube and other video sites. Find a routine that works for you and stick to it. It doesn’t have to be a long or intense workout. Even a simple ten minute routine can have a big impact on how you feel during rest of the day. Working out in the morning releases endorphins that help you feel energized. This helps contribute to a positive attitude and encourages you to tackle the day ahead. Be sure to get your exercise clothes ready the night before to ensure you have no excuses!
If you don’t want to engage in physical activity first thing in the morning, you may want to choose a goal that stimulates your mind. You can put aside a few minutes to jot down your thoughts or create a drawing from a dream you had. These activities help get your creativity flowing. You can also use this time to plan out your day or upcoming week. Taking a moment to organize your schedule will help you feel more confident and prepared to begin the day.
Once you have woken up bright and early in the morning, you may be concerned about staying awake. If you are having trouble feeling truly awake, a cup of coffee or tea can help. The caffeine in coffee can provide an extra boost, though it can also dehydrate you. Staying hydrated will help you stay awake throughout the day, so be sure to drink water each morning. Try to drink even more water if you consume any caffeine. If you find yourself having trouble drinking enough water, try adding a refreshing ingredient like cucumber or lemon. For those who are trying to avoid coffee, decaffeinated tea is a great option. The warmth from the tea will help wake you up, and the soothing aroma is another nice benefit. Teas with energizing, citrusy scents can help bring your senses to life.
Decisions you make at night definitely impact how you feel when you wake up in the morning. Making good choices at bedtime will help you wake up earlier with a more positive attitude. Try to do something you enjoy right before bed. Instead of focusing on school or work, try listening to music or reading a book to get your mind off of any stress you may be experiencing. Taking a bath is another great way to relax before getting some sleep. Be sure to get seven to nine hours of rest each night.
Getting enough sleep is key, but sleeping well is also essential. It can be tempting to fall asleep on the couch at night. You will thank yourself in the morning, however, if you make the effort to get up and go to your bed instead. If you are experiencing difficulty falling asleep or
staying asleep, you may be sleeping on the wrong type of mattress for your sleeping position. Selecting a mattress that addresses your specific needs can help you sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed. If you are concerned your mattress isn’t a good fit for you, do yourself a favor and check out our Comfort Scale. This easy-to-read scale can help you discover what kind of comfort is best for you. Back, side, and stomach sleepers all have different needs, and we are here to help you take steps to getting the best rest possible.
Waking up with a positive attitude will help set the tone for the rest of your day. When you choose to wake up early, you are choosing to embrace the day for all it is worth. Sometimes you may have to wake up early on a day you are not looking forward to. In this case, a good strategy is to consider that the earlier you start this difficult day the sooner it will be done and put behind you. If you really struggle with waking up earlier, try to find a friend with the same goal and hold each other accountable. You can do this by calling or messaging one another when you wake up. Waking up early can be difficult at first, though it gets easier with time, especially if you establish an enjoyable morning routine. Starting your day early has many benefits, and it is a schedule you are sure to enjoy once you get into the habit.
Tagged: healthy sleep, Life and Sleep, lifestyle, morning hacks, morning routine, sleep hacks
