How to Wake Up Early

Why Wake Up Early?

I would like to think that I am a morning person by nature – but I would be lying if I stated that. Being a morning person wasn’t necessarily my choice, given the fact that I am a barista and have to wake up at 5am every single day. On my off days, I wake up around 6am-8am (it’s really a toss-up).

Would I go back to being a night owl who wakes up around 11am? Heck no. The way I feel, experience my day, and the structure I have, is something I am never giving up or changing. I love my late nights every once in a while, but I cherish my sleep more. 

The benefits of waking up early extend far and is ultimately a solid lifestyle change. Research shows that morning people tend to be more proactive, experience less stress, and have better overall mental health. From seizing quiet moments for personal reflection to jumpstarting your day with a burst of exercise, the early hours can become a powerful change.

Less Stressful

Allowing yourself to be awake while the birds are still chirping has too many benefits to ignore. If you are a person who works a 9-5, getting up earlier than usual may take some stress off your shoulders. There is no more rushing to get ready, not having time for breakfast, or even running into traffic on the way to work. 

For example, say you work at 9am and live about 15 minutes from work. You decide to wake up around 6am instead of 7am. Now, you are able to get a workout in, shower, make a decent breakfast, scroll a bit and have time to get stuck in traffic-if need be. 

Accomplishing tasks is definitely a way to raise up your mood. Not only this, but naturally, you will start going to sleep earlier because you are rising earlier. This will allow you to get the right amount of sleep that your body needs and deserves. 

More Time to Yourself

Giving yourself some grace in the morning and rising early will give you time to be alone and just do you. Well, what does this mean for you? Regardless of if you have a roommate, family, or live on your own, you deserve time to yourself. 

Whether you choose to do gratitude, listen to some music, or read a book, this is your time. You get to do what YOU want to do with it! For me personally, this time is crucial for my mental health and keeps me at a peaceful state. 

Better Time Management

Getting into a morning routine will help guide you in planning out the rest of your day. Routines are good and a lot of people overlook the importance of this. It provides us structure and most humans thrive on structure.

Creating a structured environment can help you feel (and be) in control of your daily activities. Nothing feels better than accomplishing everything you need to do before the day is done. 

Enhanced Mood

Waking up early and starting the day with positive activities like exercise, meditation, or personal hobbies can set a positive tone for the rest of the day. This can lead to a more optimistic outlook on your days and improve your mood overall.

When I think about my life before and after waking up early, I can truly see this difference. I am more energized and wake up excited to start my day. 

If you need to catch up on sleep and sleep in once in a while, that is absolutely necessary. It is totally about balance and what works for you. I have a wonky work schedule, so I tend to use Wednesdays as my day to catch up on needed sleep. But sometimes, I don’t need to catch up on sleep and wake up at the same time as I always do. 

I encourage you to try this out and listen to your body when necessary. Never in my life did I think I could be a morning person, but here I am!

How Do I Start Waking Up Early?

Create Your Ideal Sleeping Environment

Think about the sleep you get now and if you get enough zzz’s for your body. Do you like a night light or pitch black? Do you need white noise or complete silence? Do you feel refreshed after or does your back and head hurt?

The environment you create for yourself to sleep in has a bigger effect on you than you think. Try out different environment changes and see if those change anything. Create a Morning Routine 

The importance of a morning routine is so great and truly affects your tone and mood for the rest of the day. Think about what you want to accomplish in the morning and hold yourself accountable. 

Whether you want to catch up on chores, read a couple pages of a book, self-care, or exercise (whatever it may be), just get it done. 

Stay Consistent

Waking up earlier than you are used to isn’t going to be a walk in the park. If you give it enough time, your body will adapt to the change, and you will be proud of yourself for sticking to it. 

Some people struggle with waking up to an alarm, some people just have a lack of motivation. Whatever it is that is holding you back, I just want you to know that you can do it!

Change Your Attitude

You may be thinking that this is something you cannot achieve. Do not be so hard on yourself, this is something you could really shock yourself with. Give yourself some grace and just try if this is something that you are interested in. 

Once I looked outside and saw the sunrise, enjoyed the quiet, and saw the world paused around me, I started to see that I loved waking up early. Go to Bed Early

Every single person differs with how much sleep they need, and you need to figure out how much sleep is suitable for you. I tend to go to bed around 10:30pm and wake up around 5:15am. Sometimes I go to bed earlier and sometimes I don’t, but this is what works for me. 

What I found to be the best method in going to bed earlier is trying to sleep 30 minutes earlier than you normally would, until getting to a time that is the best. 

Get Up After the First Alarm

We all have our emergency alarms and that doesn’t need to go away. However, it is time to say goodbye to the snooze button. You may be tired or groggy, but once you get up, you are up. Make the bed and move on with your day.

Also, just a key piece of advice: make your bed. Make. Your. Bed!!! Nothing feels better than a made bed in the morning and when you go to sleep at night. This should be your first task when you start your day.