Waking up early can be a game-changer when it comes to creating time for activities that often get sidelined in our busy schedules. By starting the day early, we can set our own pace, establish morning rituals, and focus on learning new skills, working on projects, or prioritising self-care.
So, how to wake up early in the morning?
Prepare the Night Before
To ease into waking up early, begin your preparations the evening before. This may include packing your gym bag, lunch, and clothes for the next day, which can save precious time in the morning.
Prioritise Quality Sleep
Waking up early and feeling energised requires getting enough sleep. Adequate, high-quality sleep is crucial for productivity, creativity, and optimal functioning. Sleep deprivation negatively affects our emotions, reaction times, and perception regulation. To build the habit of waking up early, prioritise sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
Establish an Earlier Bedtime
To wake up early feeling refreshed, set a regular bedtime. Gradually adjusting to an earlier bedtime may take some time. Begin with small steps, such as going to bed 30 minutes earlier for a week, then incrementally increasing the time until you reach your desired bedtime. This allows your body to adapt to the new schedule.
To enhance sleep efficiency, limit electronic device use before bed, apply a lavender spray to your pillow, jot down troubling thoughts, or read a book instead of scrolling through social media.
Develop a Morning Routine
A well-crafted morning routine can motivate you to get out of bed and stay inspired throughout the day. For example, Hal Elrod's "The Miracle Morning" offers a six-step routine designed to kickstart your day positively and enhance overall well-being. These steps include:
- Meditation
- Positive affirmations,
- Visualisation,
- Physical activity,
- Personal development,
- Journaling
Most of these steps may take only couple minutes, but will bring enormous value into your routine. Your ideal morning routine should energise and motivate you while aligning with your goals and personal development - make it your own.
"I'm going to resolve to keep happy no matter what. It's a promise you make to yourself. My success and my happiness lie in me"
~ Jennifer Lopez
Make Mornings Enjoyable
To make waking up early more appealing, associate your morning tasks with something you enjoy. For example, if you're taking an online course, savour a delicious breakfast or listen to a favourite podcast during your self-care routine. If you're heading to the gym, watch a favourite TV show while stretching or running on the treadmill. By connecting the activity with enjoyment, waking up early becomes simpler and more enticing.
Waking up early offers numerous benefits, including creating time for personal development and other activities that may not fit into our daily routines. To successfully wake up early, prepare the night before, prioritise sleep, establish a regular bedtime, and create a motivating morning routine. Remember, the key is to find what works best for you and make it enjoyable. With effort and consistency, waking up early can become an integral part of your daily routine.
