Ever wondered how you can make waking up early not such a miserable ordeal that involves hitting snooze at least 20 times? Same here. Along with having more hours to complete that long to do list, waking up early comes with benefits like better grades, enhanced productivity, a sustained healthy diet and improved mental health (source: https://www.healthambition.com/benefits-of-waking-up-early/ )
If being an early riser has ever peaked your interest, I’ve compiled many ways you can do so. All it takes is some good old habit forming.
Start the day with something positive and productive
This is totally up to you! This can be working out first thing, making your breakfast and coffee, a yoga routine, writing down 3 things you’re grateful for, listening to an uplifting podcast, etc. This will set the tone for the day and also give you something to look forward to in the morning.
Place your alarm somewhere that forces you to get up to turn it off
This is what helped me the most. This makes you get up out of bed so you’re more likely to stay up. While you’re up, it’s also recommended to open up a window or go outside to expose yourself to sunlight. This helps to naturally wake you up.
Make your bed
Make this part of your morning routine. It’s a task that gets accomplished and can set a productive tone for the day. This also makes it so you can’t easily roll back into bed.
Ease into it
Try making this change not so drastic by starting to wake up at 5am when you usually sleep in until 11am. Try waking up 15 minutes earlier each day until you get to your desired wake up time.
Make a schedule
Set a time for yourself to start getting ready for bed, turn off all technology (as blue light disrupts sleep) and turn all lights off. You can make helpful alarms in your phone to be reminded.
Prepare the night before
This makes waking up incredibly easier since it doesn’t seem like you just have a long to do list in the morning. Try laying down your outfit, organizing your book bag, or even preparing your breakfast (here’s some overnight oats recipes: http://wholefully.com/2016/03/07/8-classic-overnight-oats-recipes-you-should-try/ ).
Most importantly, go to sleep early!
Probably the most obvious tip. You’ll get your recommended amount of sleep and you won’t be so grumpy in the morning.