Before we begin, I will give full disclosure: I am (through-and-through) a morning person. I come to life in the early hours of the morning; it is where I find peace and when I feel most inspired. While I do believe it’s true that people are either a night owl or an early bird, I also believe that it’s possible to become more of a morning person.

Follow these simple steps and you will be well on your way.

Sooo – talk to you at 5am??? ***wink, wink***

Step #1: Determine your why

How is getting up early going to benefit you? As with any goal or self-improvement we may want to make – the desire has to be there. Finding and reflecting on the things that inspire me is what drives me. For me it’s easy to get up as I know the outcome is worth more than the challenge getting up can sometimes be.

I can’t stress enough just how much this will help you.

Begin by setting the mood; sit down with a cup of coffee, put on some inspiring music (my favorite is this when I’m not in the country and can’t have the real thing or this), and grab your journal. Determine how getting up early is going to your life. Some ideas may include…

• Time for prayer, yoga, breathing, etc.
• Feel less rushed or more organized
• Calm time before the craziness of the day begins
• Exercise
• Reading

Step #2: Set goals

Once you have made the decision, set small goals and little things to look forward to in the morning.

For me, when my alarm goes off, I remind myself of my why and get excited for things I love doing in the morning. I imagine heading downstairs after I’m ready, turning on the coffee machine, lighting candles, sitting down for 5 minutes of prayer/silence, eating something yummy, and lastly…enjoying some intentional time with my husband before our day begins while we enjoy a cup of coffee.

Write down your goals (even if they are simple) and put them somewhere you can see them:

• Prayer
• Coffee
• Intentional Time
• Gym (3 days a week)

 

Step #3: Go to bed earlier

The famous saying “You can’t have your cake and eat it too” rings ever so true. My husband (who is a night person) said that he wishes so badly he could do both; switching it up between staying up late and sometimes getting up early. If you go to bed late every night, it will make your early morning goal unreachable.

People will often ask how I get up at 5 every morning and my answer is simple – I got to bed at 9! Sleep is so important for our bodies to function properly!

Step #4: Avoid screens an hour (or two!) before bed

This has helped my sleep so much – which in return will make it easier to get up.

Cell phones, computers, and TVs emit blue light. Exposure to screens before bed can keep us from getting a good night’s rest and will often make you feel groggy in the morning. Studies have also shown that it suppresses melatonin and stimulates your brain while it should be working on winding down instead.

Before my head hits the pillow, I love cuddling up and reading a good book.

Step #5: NO snoozing (not even once)!

Please give this one up. It will help you immensely – I promise!!! Having said that, it leads me to my next pointer.

 

Step #6: Move as quickly as possible

As soon as your alarm goes off – don’t hesitate and sit yourself up. Go straight to the bathroom to shower. If you shower at night, wash your face and brush your teeth. Doing so will help your body to wake up.

Keeping a glass of water beside your bed or in the bathroom and drinking it first thing is also a great way to wake your body up.

Step #7: Stick to consistent times

Consistency. Consistency. Consistency.

Regulating the time you go to bed and wake up will help to set your internal clock.

“I love early mornings when it feels like the rest of the world is still fast asleep and you’re the only one who’s awake. Everything feels like it isn’t really real and you kind of forget about all your problems because for now it’s just you, the world, and the sunrise.” – Unknown

I promise. The more you practice and stay consistent, the easier it gets. Stay inspired and don’t forget to constantly reminder yourself of your WHY.

You’re going to love it.