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.

Step One: Get Excited.

Any major change won’t stick unless you see the benefits of it. And there are benefits.

• You get precious alone time before the noise of the day begins – just you and your coffee cup in the quiet house
• You can tackle your most important tasks when your brain is fresh and nobody’s texting you or asking for things
• Your house starts the day in better shape because you’ve had time to tidy up before everyone else creates chaos
• You actually have time for the things that matter instead of just reacting to whatever comes your way

I used to lie in bed scrolling on my phone at night, thinking I was “relaxing.” Now I save that energy for the morning when it actually makes my life better.

By the time everyone else stumbles out of bed, I already feel centered and ready. I’ve had my quiet time, moved my body a little, and crossed something off my list.

Step Two: Start Small and Be Patient

Becoming an early riser is simpler than you think:

• Start with tiny changes: Skip the drastic shifts! I began by waking up just 15 minutes earlier each day. This small change helped me wake up without feeling like I’d been hit by a truck.
• Make your bedroom a sleep haven: Keep your room dark and cool. And yes, a comfy mattress matters. We spend a third of our lives in bed – might as well make it nice!
• Plan tomorrow tonight: Each evening, I jot down my priorities for the next day. This simple step prevents morning indecision and the temptation to hit snooze.

But let me remind you: this takes time! Don’t give up the first time you oversleep. Your body is learning something new.

Step Three: Fill Your Time with What Matters

Now for the fun part: filling those early hours with simple habits that set you up for success:

• First things first – water! After sleeping all night, your body needs hydration. I always start my day by drinking a full glass of water before I have coffee.
• Move your body: Even a five-minute stretch and walk to the mailbox feels amazing. I’m not saying you need to do a full workout (unless you want to!).
• Be still: Take a few minutes to sit quietly. You can pray, write in a journal, or just breathe deeply. This quiet moment helps me feel grounded for the day ahead.
• Get ahead on housework: I love to throw in a load of laundry and unload the dishwasher first thing. Getting these simple tasks out of the way early leaves me feeling more in control all day.

But don’t get distracted by thinking you need an elaborate morning routine right now. First, it’s just about switching up your wakeup time.

Step Four: Outsmart Your Sleepy Self

There will be mornings when your warm, cozy bed feels WAY too comfortable to leave. Here’s how to win that battle:

Make snoozing impossible: Put your alarm across the room! When you physically have to get up to turn it off, you’re already halfway to starting your day.

Remember your “why”: On tough mornings, I remind myself how it feels to have those quiet hours to myself.

Plan something you love: Whether it’s a yummy breakfast or time for a hobby, having something to look forward to makes getting up so much easier.

Be flexible when life happens: Had a late night with friends? Don’t beat yourself up. Just get back to your routine the next day.

How early should I wake up to see the benefits?

This is a great question, and the answer is: it depends.

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.

More on Daily Routines:

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

Once you experience the magic of those early morning hours for yourself, I bet you’ll never look back.