"The early bird gets the worm" is an old, but true, saying. Morning people get a few extra hours to get things done, as well as more hours to soak up the sun. Waking up early is nearly impossible, especially in college. All my life I have been a late riser. I never believed in waking up early especially when it's so easy to hit snooze till noon.
However, I have recently started waking up earlier in order to fit in everything I need to into my day. I hate feeling rushed and as a person who functions best when it's still light outside, I needed a way to have more time. This predicament led to me waking up earlier, and now I love it. I never have to be in a rush to get to class, I finally get to eat breakfast, and now I can go to the gym without feeling like I have other things to do. Mornings can be a great time to reflect and even set goals for yourself. Follow these tips to wake up a few hours earlier, and you too can enjoy the benefits of the morning.
1. Set an alarm
Before you go to bed, it's crucial to set an alarm. This is the start of your day, so make sure it's one that will actually get you out of bed. I personally enjoy waking up to music, but some people need a blaring horn to get them out of their slumber. Test out different sounds and see which one works for you.
2. Hit the snooze button ONE time
So many people love their snooze button so much, that they are constantly using it, but snooze is your enemy not your friend in the morning. I find that it helps to only hit it once, but the next time it comes on is when I force myself out of bed, leading to tip number three.
3. Wake up and get up
This tip is easier said than done, but it is essential. Instead of waking up and going on your phone, wake up and get out of bed. This ensures you start your day instead of falling back asleep once your done scrolling through Twitter.
4. Put your phone across the room
This tip is for the people who really have a hard time getting out of bed. When your phone is farther away than arm's reach, you will HAVE to get out of bed to turn off your alarm and now that you're up you may as well start your day.
5. Clean your room before you go to bed
Uncluttering your space can make you want to get out of bed. This way you're not waking up to be greeted by a pile of clothes on your bed, or unappealing chores first thing in the morning.
6. Set goals for yourself before you go to bed
When you have a clear vision for the things you want to accomplish during the day, it makes you more inclined to jump out of bed in the morning to get started on your day. Write down everything, even if it includes things like watching an episode on Netflix, or cutting your nails. The satisfaction of crossing things off your to-do list is immeasurable.
7. Make the first thing you do, something exciting
Think about all those times you jump out of bed at 4 a.m. to go on vacation. Create a similar situation every day where you basically reward yourself for waking up. Whether it's waking up to go to the gym, or walk your dog, or drink a cup of coffee doing something you love first thing in the morning can be just what you need to get out of bed.
8. Make your breakfast the night before
This one goes hand in hand with tip 7. If you make yourself a delicious smoothie the night before or have a blueberry muffin waiting for you it will definitely help you get out of bed. Looking forward to something, especially food, can be all the motivation you need.
9. Go to bed earlier
While this one may be a no-brainer, it will definitely help. Staying up till 3 a.m. while wanting to wake up by 8 a.m. is definitely a recipe for disaster. Try going to bed earlier even if it's just 30 minutes earlier, it can make all the difference in the world.
10. Make small changes
This one is key when it comes to changing your habits for the long haul. When starting a new goal, it's tempting to want to make the most drastic changes immediately, however, smaller changes can be more sustainable. Set your alarm clock 10 minutes earlier each week, that way it doesn't feel as difficult to wake up and you're not tired all day.
11. Wake up at the same time every day
If you do this, it will help set your body's internal clock, and soon you won't even need your alarm clock. Your body will get used to waking up earlier, and it will no longer feel like an impossible challenge.
Follow these tips, and before you know it you will never miss an 8 am again or have to pull an all-nighter just to catch up on work. Welcome to the world of productivity and quiet, otherwise known as the morning.
