How to become a morning person

Let’s face it: Early risers get ahead and make things happen from the get-go while the night owls are still sleeping. However, nobody should be bound to groggy mornings for the rest of their lives. 

Each of us has an internal clock, also known as a circadian rhythm, that regulates when we are the most awake and tired. Neuroscientists discovered in 2009 that the brains of early birds were most aroused around 9 am, whereas the brains of night owls were most excited at 9 pm. It’s just the way we’re built.

Before we get into the tips, there’s nothing wrong with embracing your night owl instincts; in fact, studies have shown that it may be beneficial. On the other hand, a new job, life event, or shift of thoughts may require a change in your schedule. Let’s get to them!

 

1. Have something to look forward to 

“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.” According to research, it might be true.  In that case, the best way to start your morning is by thinking positively. Although it may seem trivial, it’s the small things that count—for example, becoming excited about a new workout class, a date, or even finishing a project at work may up your mood and help kick-start your day. 

 

2. Alter your bedtime

For starters, a change in the time you go to bed will help ensure that you get 7-9 hours of sleep every night. If you’re used to staying up late, try not to force yourself to sleep at 10 pm. Instead, reading a book for 20-30 minutes before sleeping and not scrolling through your phone may help achieve this strict sleeping time. In this way, you’ll never stop learning, too – it’s a win-win situation. 

 

3. Make a routine

From eating dinner a bit earlier to going to sleep and waking up at the same time; creating this routine will not only help you wake up better, but it can also help you sleep for 7-9 hours. By eating earlier, you’re giving your body time to digest and settle down properly. 

As for waking up and sleeping, we create a habit and consistency for ourselves. Our bodies will naturally get used to these times, and soon enough, you won’t even need your alarm clock. Also, you can skip out on the morning traffic by getting to work 20 minutes earlier! 

 

4. Move your alarm clock

Speaking of alarm clocks, we all hate our own. That’s why we hit that snooze button more than once. However, this decreases our chances of becoming early birds. So, to avoid this, try putting your alarm clock far away enough to have to get up to turn it off. Alternatively, you can look for an app that’ll require you to do mental mind games to turn off the alarm. It may be annoying at first, but it works like a charm. 

 

5. Take your time

Getting up at 6 or 7 am right after deciding to change your schedule may be tricky. Therefore, try to slowly achieve this by setting your alarm clock 15 minutes earlier than your usual wake-up time. Every morning you can put the alarm earlier in 15-minute increments. Soon enough, you’ll be waking up at 6 am in a jiffy! 

In the end, consistency is key

It may seem hard to become a morning person and modify your circadian rhythm, but with the appropriate steps you take, it is possible to become someone who wakes up early without even using an alarm clock. Create a routine that suits you, and remember that getting up to warm sunlight is a gift, not a duty.