10 Steps To Waking Up Earlier (Even If You Hate Mornings)

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Jan 18

When it comes to being an early bird, some of us are natural early risers and others, not so much. It’s not always easy, but if becoming an early riser is a part of your 2018 list of to-dos, these 10 steps to waking up earlier will definitely help you get started!

HIT THE HAY.

Well, duh! This is the most simple out of this list. It’s also the most important. Going to bed at an earlier time is key to feeling fresh when you wake up. Are you a major night owl? Try to gradually bring your bedtime earlier. Maybe instead of sleeping at midnight, you aim for 11pm. As you’ll read below, sudden changes can be a major shock to the body. Your goal is to avoid that.If you do not have a specific early morning wake-up call, I don’t suggest changing your usual 9am wake-up time immediately to 6am. Take baby steps. Set your alarm 15-20 minutes earlier to start with. See how your body reacts to the 15-20 minute change and increase the time from there.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF.

Many of us rely on our phones to wake us up in the AM. Whether you have an old school alarm clock (nothing wrong with that) or you use your cell phone, do not leave it by your bed. Having your phone directly next to you on your bed will make it that much easier for you to turn over and hit the snooze button over and over. Place your device on the other side of the room. This will make hitting the snooze button or turning off your alarm a challenge.

PREP, PREP, PREP.

Take time to prep the day or night before. Set out your clothes, make your meals, organize and have your bags ready. Planning to hit the gym or workout? Sleeping in [clean] gym clothes will make it even easier. This way you’ll wake up ready to go!

LIGHTING.

Turn on your bedroom lamp, open up your curtains, turn the light switch on, any form of light will help you instantly wake up.

ACCOUNTABILITY.

Whether you tell a co-worker, your special person, workout buddy, roomie or friend, having someone hold you accountable (With anything, really..) will help. It sounds cheesy, but you can text or call each other in the morning to make sure you’re up.

MAKE PLANS.

Scheduling a run, workout sesh or breakfast date will give you something to look forward to! Yes, there is the possibility of you flaking, but chances are you’ll keep to waking up early if you have something set.

SCREEN TIME.

I totally get it. Evenings are the only time I have to catch up on my Grey’s Anatomy or This is Us. However, staying up late staring at a bright screen will not help you sleep! Cut off your usual T.V. time about 30-45 minutes before you sleep. For example, if you usually sleep at midnight and are wanting to sleep at 10PM, turn the screen off by 9:15pm. Your body will thank you.

JOURNAL.

Yes, another cheesy, but helpful tool. The same way some of us track our workouts and eating to track our fitness goals, journaling and logging our sleep patterns will help us see what is working and what needs work.

TREAT YOSELF.

Based off your progress (hello, sleep journal), if you see yourself waking up early, TREAT YOSELF. Buy that apple watch, go out to dinner, go shopping. This isn’t easy, so if you see positive changes, reward yourself.

As I always say, don’t expect perfection. Give yourself time, compassion and grace as you learn how to make this important lifestyle change for yourself. It is a process and you will probably find yourself having to think about your specific why several times. With the right mindset and these helpful tips, it IS possible. You got this, boo!