Most of us have a love hate relationship with mornings, more especially during this winter season. Yo snooze the alarm, wake up grumpy and the rest of the day gets spoiled. It is advisable that one push themselves to wake up early though. Waking up early has many advantages. Not only does it allow more time for both productivity and leisure, but it makes our days less stressful.
1. Have Enough Sleep.
Many more of us could be morning people if we would just give ourselves the chance to get some more sleep at night. Getting sufficient sleep for your body’s needs gives you the energy, health, and motivation to get things done in the morning and throughout the day.
2. Power Down.
Any kind of light can make it harder to sleep at night. And if you’re constantly plugged in, you’re even less likely to hit the hay right away. The blue light emitted by electronics like laptops and cell phones disturbs sleep even more than natural light. Turn off those electronic screens at least an hour before bed to make dozing easier.
3. Have A Clear Purpose For Getting Up Earlier.
If you’re mentally motivated to get up earlier, it can help to make a big dent in your sleeping-in excuses. Each night, create a clear mental image about why you want to get up and what you will accomplish with that morning time.
4. Seize The Day.
Waking up with a groan and thinking about all the things you don’t want to do is a terrible way to motivate yourself to get out of bed. Instead, think ahead to the best things you’ll do all day to fuel your desire to get up and at ‘em.
5. Get Moving As Quickly As Possible.
When it is time to get going, we need to leave that room ASAP, even if it means walking to the kitchen for a glass of water. When we lay in bed, checking our Twitter feed, or rolling around yawning, we are allowing ourselves to let the grogginess sit in. The moment you wake up, get up and get moving.
6. Choose Morning Activities You Enjoy.
It’s hard enough to get out of bed at the crack of dawn and when you wake up to do activities you don’t enjoy, your new regimen can feel like torture. So the best way is to wake up to something you will enjoy, and you will have a reason to kick off those blankets.
7. Exercise Before Breakfast.
You might as well work up a sweat before taking your morning shower, and you can start your day by burning some calories before you even take any in. Physical activity will help wake you up, and exercise undertaken first thing in the morning is more effective at charging up your metabolism.
8. Eat A Smart Breakfast.
Don’t be tempted to skip breakfast because it’s your energy kick-starter for the rest of the day, and the early bird has even longer to wait until lunchtime. A breakfast that features protein, fruits or vegetables, and a whole grain can help energize you for the day ahead.
9. Expose Yourself To Natural Light.
Throughout the day make sure you get a healthy dose of vitamin D. Not a sunny day? At least go outside for 15 minutes to get some fresh air, or sit by a window that exposes you to natural light. In places where it is often gray and dreary, especially during winter months, some might consider investing in a sun lamp.
10. Keep Your Morning Routine Going.
It’s important to get up at the same time every day once you’re established in your new routine, including weekends. Don’t sleep in on days when you don’t have to be somewhere; doing so throws off your sleep rhythm. Leave sleeping in for when you’re unwell.
