I used to be a classic night owl. I would stay up late into the night, working on projects or just surfing the internet. I would sleep in late in the morning, and it was tough for me to get going. Even as a kid it was very difficult for me to wake up for school in the morning. After many years of being a self-proclaimed night owl, I decided to change my ways.
I decided that I finally wanted to become a morning person. I started going to bed earlier and setting my alarm for an earlier time. I’m also sharing some of my tried-and-true tips for what worked for me. Now, I find that I am more productive in the morning and I start my day in a good mood.
If you are struggling to become a morning person, just know that it is possible. Start slowly and make a commitment to yourself. At this point, the biggest challenge in transitioning to becoming a morning person has been working around the routines of other people. For example, if there is a party that runs late into the night, sometimes I feel as though I cannot stay the whole night. However, that’s okay, because I’m putting myself first by sticking to my routine.
How to finally become a morning person:
Here are my tips and tricks to for successfully transitioning from a night owl to a morning person. You can work with these tips and modify them so they work best for you personally.
1. Set a regular sleep schedule
Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This will help your body get into a rhythm and make it easier to wake up in the morning. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try some relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation. Setting a regular schedule and sticking to the routine isn’t as easy at it sounds. However, you’ll find after a month or so, it all becomes a lot easier.
2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine
Spend some time winding down before bed with relaxing activities, such as reading or taking a bath. This will help you relax and prepare for sleep. You can listen to a meditation, turn on your essential oil diffuser, or dive into your favorite book. I suggest spending at least 30 minutes doing something before bed that really relaxes you.
3. Limit caffeine consumption
Caffeine can interfere with sleep, so avoid them in the evening. I know it’s easier said than done. I used to drink at least 3 coffees a day. Personally, I don’t consume any caffeine past 3pm. If I do, I find myself unable to settle down for sleep in time. If you’re looking to sip a hot beverage in the evening, there are many great tea options available that won’t keep you stirring all night. I suggest chamomile or kava tea.
4. Get up and move around right away
Once you’re out of bed, start your day with some light exercise or stretching. This will help wake you up and get your blood flowing. You don’t have to do anything crazy or even work up a sweat. A quick 10-minute stretching routine on YouTube will do the trick. Or, you can take the dog out for a brisk walk. Getting some sunlight outside before you even look at your cellphone is a great idea. It really paves the way for a good day.
5. Make time for breakfast
It doesn’t matter how busy you are, you should never skip breakfast. Eating a healthy breakfast fuels your body and gives you energy for the day. So, take the time to sit down and enjoy a meal in the morning. If you’re really struggling to make the time, prepare yourself a breakfast that is suitable for on-the-go. This could something like an egg wrap, a breakfast sandwich, or overnight oats packed in your cooler to enjoy at the office.
6. Try a slow rise alarm
Is there anything worse than being jolted awake by a loud, obnoxious alarm? Instead of being jarred awake by a siren, try a slow rise alarm that gradually gets louder. This will help you wake up more gently and avoid starting your day with a jolt. You can set the tune to the ocean, birds singing, or even a classic alarm.
7. Give yourself an early morning commitment
Find something that you have to do in the morning, such as walking the dog or meeting a friend for coffee. Having an obligation will help you get out of bed and start your day. If we don’t have any commitment for the morning, there is no reason for us not to hit the snooze button over and over.
8. Start your day with something positive
As soon as you wake up, take a few moments to think about something that makes you happy. This could be anything from a recent accomplishment to an upcoming event. Focusing on something positive will help you start your day on a good note. Sometimes, I like to journal briefly in the morning and write down a few morning affirmations or things I am grateful for. The rest of the day, I do my best to reflect on these things. You can also listen to some upbeat music or read a post on one of these positivity blogs.
9. Give yourself something to look forward to in the morning
Whether it’s a delicious breakfast or a fun activity, have something to look forward to in the morning. This will help you wake up with a smile on your face. I used to treat myself to a special matcha latte a few days a week before work. It was so delicious and I always looked forward to it. Giving yourself something to look forward to is a nice way to get yourself out of bed. This could be anything from a new outfit to a special beverage.
10. You snooze you loose
Once you’re out of bed, resist the urge to hit the snooze button. Getting up and starting your day will help you feel more alert and productive. The more you hit snooze, the groggier you will feel. It takes way too much willpower to get back into bed after hitting snooze and stay in bed for only “5 more minutes”. If you’re able to do that, kudos to you! But, I know I’m better off avoiding the snooze button alltogether.
11. Use an app that challenges you
There are many apps that can help you become a morning person. Some apps challenge you to wake up at a certain time and then reward you for completing your goal. You can set the app to give you a math problem before allowing you to shut off your alarm (though this sounds like a nightmare to me). Or, you can download a barcode app that makes you scan the barcode of your facewash or a similar object before your alarm will stop. Just don’t cheat and bring the barcode next to your bed.
12. Let the natural light in
Open your curtains or blinds as soon as you wake up to let in the natural light. This will help you wake up and feel more alert. The natural light is incredibly powerful and helps get your body and mind ready for the day.
13. Take a break in the afternoon
If you’re struggling to stay awake in the afternoon, take a brief break. Go for a walk, take a nap, or just step away from your work to give your mind a rest. Naps are tricky because they can really mess with your sleep cycle – so I would err on the side of caution with that one if possible. However, a nice 15-minute break away from the desk can really do wonders.
14. Limit screen time in the bedroom and before bed
Avoid using electronics in the bedroom, such as your phone or laptop. The light from the screens can interfere with sleep. Some people don’t even have a TV in their bedroom for this reason!
15. Keep a sleep journal
Tracking your sleep can help you identify patterns and figure out what is causing you to wake up at night. This information can be helpful in making changes to your sleep habits. You may find that you’re eating dinner too late or drinking too much water right before you fall asleep. Or, there may be some lifestyle factors contributing to bad dreams. Whatever it may be, keeping a sleep journal is an excellent way to track your progress.
16. Prepare the night before
This is one of my favorite tips and it really makes a world of difference. Take some time to relax and prepare for the next day before going to bed. This can help you feel less stressed and more prepared for the morning. I prepare my outfit and get it ready the night before so I’m not scrambling to dig through clothes in the morning.
17. Get more exercise
Even a tiny bit of daily exercise can improve your sleep quality and help you feel more alert during the day. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day if possible.
18. Watch what you eat
Eating a healthy diet can help you feel more energized during the day. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Keeping a food journal is a good way to track how different foods make you feel. I try to avoid any foods that contain caffeine (like chocolate) right before bed. I also found myself sleeping a lot better and being able to wake up a lot earlier when I limited my sugar intake throughout the day.
Hopefully these tips for how to become a morning person will help you adjust your routine so you can wake up when you want to. If you’ve been struggling with being a night owl and switching it up, leave a comment below and tell me about it. Of course, some of us are just natural night owls and we learn to live with it every day – and that’s okay too!
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