How to Become A Morning Person

Do you jump out of bed each morning bright eyed, and bushy tailed? Or, do you prefer to sleep until noon?  No matter your preference, it turns out that there is a lot more to being a night owl or an early bird than people had originally thought. Genetics and our own internal “clocks” along with our work and family life, play a big role in whether we hop out of bed early or prefer to sleep in.

Learning to become a morning person

For some, the very thought of becoming a morning person can cause eyes to roll immediately. It can be a daunting task, especially for those who have always been night owls. However, it can be done. With the right approach, anyone can make the transition to early bird status. Here are some tips and tricks to get you headed in the right direction.

Make it comfy

Creating a relaxing sleep environment can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Use blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out light, and use earplugs or a white noise machine to block out noise. Also, invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows to help you get a good night's sleep. Making sure you are well rested will help you ease into the day no matter what time you get out of bed.

Adjust your zzz’s

One of the most important steps in becoming a morning person is to gradually adjust your sleep schedule. Start by going to bed 15-30 minutes earlier each night and waking up 15-30 minutes earlier each morning. This gradual shift will allow your body to adjust to the new schedule and help you avoid feeling groggy or tired during the day.

Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle and make it easier to fall asleep and wake up at the desired times.

Let the sunshine in

Natural light can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and make waking up in the morning easier. Natural light can also reduce stress levels and improve mood.

Get a ritual

Creating a morning ritual can help you establish a routine and make waking up early feel more manageable. Start your day with a cup of coffee or tea and take a few minutes to sit and meditate or journal. Or, if you're feeling ambitious, start your day with a workout or yoga session. Whatever your morning ritual is, make it something you look forward to and that helps you start your day on the right foot.

Make it a no-brainer

Make mornings a no-brainer by eliminating as much decision making as possible. Plan out the next day’s tasks the night before. Have clothing already picked out and pack a lunch ahead of time. Place items you will need near the door if you will be heading out of the house.

Start drinking

No, not a Bloody Mary or a Mimosa. Treat yourself to a morning cocktail of water and lemon juice or water with mint. Drinking water first thing in the morning flushes out toxins, provides hydration and boosts your energy level. Water is the best way to kickstart your day and get you moving.

Get a furry alarm clock

Sometimes the best alarm clock is a furry one. Get a furry friend who likes to cuddle and wake up to their wet nose in your face or their paw tapping you on the arm. Even if you're not a morning person, it's hard to resist a cute, cuddly pet who's ready to start the day with you.

Make it suck less

Steer clear of hard tasks first thing in the morning. Plan some easy things that are quick wins, like making your bed or reading emails and newsletters.  Get up early and do something that's fun. Try listening to music easing into the day.

Stay committed

Becoming a morning person requires commitment and discipline. Stick to your new sleep schedule and morning routine, even on days when you may not feel like it. Remember that it takes time to make changes and make them stick.

Embrace it

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, embrace the morning person lifestyle. Stop seeing waking up early as a chore and start seeing it as an opportunity to get a head start on the day. Embrace the quiet moments before everyone else is up and running.

Remember, becoming a morning person doesn’t happen overnight. But by gradually moving your sleep schedule, creating some rituals around getting up early and staying committed to the effort you can make the switch..

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Photo courtesy Pixabay/Engin_Akyurt