With finals rolling in, everyone, including myself, is busier than ever. Recently, I have found myself waking up and thinking, “If only I woke up a few hours earlier I would be so much more productive today.” Waking up early and getting your day going when the sun rises seems daunting, but in reality it just takes a little practice. And in the long run, waking up early will give you more energy, allow you to get more done, and live a happier and healthier life! Of course going to bed early will help alleviate the difficulty of waking up earlier than you’re used to, but there are also a few ways to turn yourself into an early bird.
1. Workout – Waking up and going to the gym is the best way to get your endorphins going and energize your body for the day. Signing up for a workout class is a great way to feel motivated and committed, but even something as simple as going for a walk around the block will do the trick! The fresh air will wake you up and getting moving will energize you.
2. Keep the Blinds Open – This may sound harsh and not at all how you want to start your day, but it will definitely make a difference. Waking up when the sun starts to rise and lighten your room is actually way less harsh than having the alarm go off in your dark room with the shades down where it still feels like the middle of the night.
3. Make a Good Breakfast – You’ve heard it a million times – breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This phrase may be overused, but it is true. Breakfast is the fuel for your day, and also a great incentive to get out of bed for a delicious treat. You don’t have to stick to boring breakfasts like cereal or toast, but rather think of a few quick recipes (some you can even make the night before) and you’ll be more inclined to wake up and eat your meal. Some possibilities could include yummy overnight oats or a nice fruit smoothie!
4. Prepare the Night Before (Outfit, Bookbag, etc.) – Prepare as much as you can for the next morning so you are ready to hop out of bed and start to get ready. If you don’t have to spend 20 minutes picking out an outfit and another 15 looking for your planner you will save a lot of the precious morning hours!
It may be hard at first, but in the long run being a morning person totally pays off. Try it out and you’ll be amazed at how a few extra hours in the morning can change your entire day!