There is a multitude of benefits associated with being a morning person. For example, there’s more sunlight in your day, and there’s more time to be active. Some enjoy being night-owls; however, today’s work and school schedules do not tend to accommodate it. Instead, a lot of people have to awaken earlier than they want.
I’ve always been someone who needs a lot of sleep. If I could get 12 hours every night, it would be amazing. However, that isn’t practical, since I’m losing most of my day.. What I realized was those 12 hours weren’t quality hours of sleep, my best hours turned out to be between 10pm and 6am. If I allowed myself to sleep longer, I would end up waking up various times throughout the night, too tired to get up, but not tired enough to sleep the entire night.
Let me know if you can relate!
TIP 1: Go to bed
Sleep is important. We all know this, but do we listen?
- Go to bed 15 minutes earlier. (Adjustments to your sleep should be gradual.)
- Relax 30 minutes before bedtime, calming music, a good book, in bed and ready for bed. (Make sure to finish everything before getting relaxed since getting up to brush your teeth always seems to be a great way to wake up.)
- Stop thinking about work/school/kids, and there’s nothing that you can do about anything. No point continuing to stress.
- For more tips: How to get a better sleep
TIP 2: Wake up!
When it comes to our alarm clocks, most of us, have these obnoxious loud alarms that startle you awake. Unless you are such a deep sleeper and you will sleep through your alarm, elect for a calmer, relaxing alarm.
Even better, if you can train yourself to wake up with the sun. Although, during the winter months, it might not be so practical. I suggest investing in a sunlight alarm clock that mimics the natural progression of the sun which allows for a natural waking period. You can set the time for this sunrise, making it practical if you are waking before the sun or during a cloudy day.
- Wake up to the natural light
- Gentle alarm sounds
- Do not hit that snooze!
- Sit up and stretch once your alarm rings
- Get excited for the day, think about what you are looking forward to.
TIP 3: It takes time
Studies show that it takes 66 days to create a habit, (not 21). You need to create and maintain the habit of waking up and going to bed at a consistent time each night. This consistency is essential, yes; it is okay to stay up late this one night, but keep it to a minimum.
TIP 4: Keep Busy
The best way to get a good night sleep is to be exhausted by the time your head hits the pillow.
- Go to the gym regularly
- Fill your days with fun activities/ go light of the tv.
- Avoid taking a nap
After a few months, you should find yourself waking up earlier.
Here’s a current read of mine: I’ve been reading it before bed!
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