How to Wake Up (Super) Early and Why It Will Absolutely Change Your Life

It’s tempting to stay up late when it feels like the most fun part of your day. The kids are asleep. The TV shows are better. You can snack.

But the truly magical time of day is early morning—no, earlier than that. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably earlier.

After a few months of waking up before the rest of the world, you’ll feel ready for the day, not victimized by it. When life feels messy and too busy it’s probably the single best thing you can do for your routine.

Let’s discuss how to make it work for you.

1. The Benefits of Rising Early with the Sun

I feel like I’ve unlocked a cheat code for life! It was all thanks to a simple shift in my sleep schedule.

Boost Your Mood and Energy Levels

When you wake up with the sun, you’re exposed to natural light, which helps regulate your body’s internal clock and improve your overall well-being. Plus, there’s something inherently energizing about being up and at ’em while the rest of the world is still snoozing.

And I’m not the only one, studies have shown that early risers tend to be happier and more satisfied with their lives overall.

Increase Productivity by Tackling Important Tasks First

When you’re up before everyone else, you can focus on your most important tasks without any distractions. Those early morning hours can be a total game-changer, whether it’s hitting the gym, working on a passion project, or just getting a head start on your day.

I used to struggle with finding the time to get everything that I wanted to do, but since I started waking up early, I’ve been able to prioritize my most important tasks and get them done before the rest of the world even gets going.

Enjoy Peaceful, Uninterrupted ‘Me Time’

Waking up early before anyone does gives you an opportunity to recharge and reconnect with yourself. Whether you use that time to meditate, read, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee in peace, those early morning hours are a gift.

By the time the rest of the world wakes up, I feel centered, grounded, and ready to take on whatever the day may bring.

2. How to Establish an Early Morning Routine

Transitioning to an early riser can be smoother than you think. Here are key strategies:

• Gradual Sleep Schedule Adjustment:
  • Avoid drastic changes: Shifting your sleep schedule suddenly can backfire. Instead, aim to adjust gradually by going to bed and waking up 15-30 minutes earlier each day.
  • Personal strategy: I began by waking up just 15 minutes earlier daily. This incremental change significantly improved my wakefulness without the grogginess of abrupt adjustments.
• Crafting a Sleep-Friendly Environment:
  • Optimize your bedroom: Ensure a conducive sleep environment by minimizing light and noise and adjusting the room temperature for comfort.
  • Invest in quality sleep gear: Comfortable mattresses and pillows are worthwhile investments, considering the substantial time spent in bed.
  • Nighttime routine: Transition from screen time to calming activities like reading or stretching before bed to enhance sleep quality.
• Planning Your Morning in Advance:
  • Set clear objectives: Outline your morning tasks the night before. Whether it’s exercise, work-related projects, or a peaceful breakfast, having a plan keeps you focused.
  • My routine: Each evening, I list my priorities for the next day. This preparation prevents morning indecisiveness and the allure of the snooze button.

Plan Out Your Morning Activities the

But let me remind you that establishing an early morning routine takes time and patience. Don’t give up and decide this isn’t for you the first time you oversleep!

3. Elements of an Effective Early Morning Routine

So, you’ve finally adjusted your sleep schedule, created a cozy sleep environment, and planned out your morning activities. Well, it’s time to fill those early morning hours with some habits and practices that will set you up for success throughout the day.

Here’s what you can do:

• Hydrate and Fuel Your Body: After a long night’s sleep, your body is dehydrated and in need of nourishment. That’s why starting your day with a glass of water is so important. I don’t eat breakfast but I always start my day by rehydrating before I have coffee.
• Incorporate Movement with a Morning Workout or Stretching: If you work out, doing it first thing is a great way to get it done.
• Prayer, Meditation, Journaling :Take a few minutes each morning to sit quietly and breathe deeply. You can write down your goals and affirmations or simply jot down your thoughts and feelings. Or you can write nothing at all.

My Favorite Way to Use Early Morning Time

Getting these tasks out of the way early will free up mental and physical space for the rest of your day, leaving you feeling more organized and in control.

I like to throw in a load of laundry, unload the dishwasher, and then use the time while washing to chop veggies or prep ingredients for dinner. It’s a simple way to stay on top of my household tasks and avoid the stress of a mounting to-do list.

But, of course, everyone’s different. What works for me may not work for you.

4. Overcoming Obstacles to Becoming an Early Riser

There will be days when waking up is not appealing, especially when you love the warmth of your cozy bed, and the snooze button looks extra tempting. But don’t let those obstacles hold you back.

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• The Temptation of the Snooze Button:
  • Keep your alarm out of arm’s reach. Placing it across the room forces you to physically get up, reducing the temptation to snooze.
  • Opt for an annoying alarm tone or set multiple alarms. Making it unpleasant or inconvenient to snooze can help you wake up on the first alarm.
• Maintaining Motivation:
  • Remember your “why.” Remind yourself of the benefits of waking up early, such as improved productivity and mood, to help propel you out of bed.
  • Plan something enjoyable for the morning. Whether it’s a tasty breakfast, a rewarding workout, or time for a hobby, having an activity to look forward to can make mornings easier.
• Navigating Late Nights and Social Events:
  • Stay adaptable. Life’s social obligations sometimes lead to late nights, but flexibility in your routine allows you to accommodate these without guilt.
  • Plan ahead for late nights by adjusting your sleep schedule gradually beforehand. If you do stay up later than intended, focus on returning to your early-rising routine as soon as possible.

Dealing with Late Nights and Social Obligations

Of course, life happens – and sometimes, that means late nights out with friends or early morning obligations that throw off your sleep schedule. But don’t worry – it’s all about being flexible.

5. Customizing Your Early Morning Routine

Creating an early morning routine is a personal journey, allowing you to tailor activities to fit your lifestyle, goals, and interests.

• Aligning Activities with Personal Goals:
  • Variety is key: Use morning hours for activities that resonate with you, whether it’s advancing a side project, practicing yoga, or enjoying some quiet reading time.
  • Authentic choices: Pick activities that genuinely interest you. Skipping the morning workout for a calm breakfast? That’s perfectly fine. What matters is choosing what makes you happy and productive.
• Flexibility on Weekends and Days Off:
  • Adaptability: Your early morning routine need not be set in stone, especially on weekends and holidays. Feel free to adjust—sleep in a bit longer, savor a leisurely brunch, or embark on new adventures.
  • Balance is crucial: Find the right mix between routine and relaxation. Use your mornings in ways that rejuvenate and excite you.
• Evolving Your Routine:
  • Continuous refinement: Regularly assess and adjust your routine. What brings you joy? What feels monotonous? Keeping your routine aligned with your current interests and goals ensures it remains beneficial.
  • Monthly check-ins: Set aside time to evaluate what’s working and explore new ideas to keep your mornings fresh and motivating.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to a morning routine.

Here’s something to remember: your early morning routine is a work in progress. What works for you today might not work for you six months from now, and that’s okay! The key is to review and refine your morning habits regularly and make adjustments as needed.

How early should I wake up to see the benefits?

This is a great question, and the answer is: it depends. Some people swear by waking up at 5 am (or even earlier!), while others find that a more modest 6:30 am wake-up time is plenty early. Ultimately, the key is to find a wake-up time that works for you and your schedule, and that allows you to get a solid 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

If you’re not sure where to start, try setting your alarm for 30 minutes earlier than your usual wake-up time, and gradually work your way up from there. And remember, the benefits of early rising come from the habits and routines you establish, not just the time on the clock.

Can I become an early riser if I’m a night owl?

Absolutely! I’m living proof that even the most die-hard night owls can become early risers with a little bit of effort and determination. The key is to be patient and persistent and to give yourself plenty of time to adjust to your new sleep schedule.

If you’re used to staying up late and sleeping in, it might take a few weeks (or even a few months) to fully adapt to an early-rising routine. But trust me, it’s so worth it. And who knows – you might just discover that you have a hidden morning person inside you, just waiting to be unleashed!

What if I have trouble falling asleep earlier?

If you’re having trouble falling asleep earlier, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure you’re creating a relaxing bedtime routine that signals to your body that it’s time to wind down.

You can also try avoiding screens (like your phone or laptop) for at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light emitted by these devices can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

More on Daily Routines:

Here are some resources that could help improve your daily routine.

• A Life You Don’t Need a Vacation From
• Actionable Tips for Homemakers
• Homemaker’s Daily Routine

I hope you’re feeling motivated and encouraged to start your early morning journey