“Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”
Benjamin Franklin.
I totally agree. Studies show that people who wake up early in the morning are not only more productive but also more successful. They tend to set higher goals, be more persistent and plan for the future.
For me I find that my energy levels are so much better if I go to bed early. I wake up refreshed ready to plan my day. I usually wake up at 5.30 – 6am every morning and by 9am I would have had breakfast, answered emails, prepared lunch for my husband, worked out and planned my day.
Of course if you are a night owl it doesn’t mean you are doomed to failure. I understand that some people may have night jobs. I also understand that we are all different and not everyone will be a morning person. No one shoe fits all. No point getting up at 6am if you go to bed at 1am. You will be mentally and physically exhausted.
Here below are a few tips to help those who would like to become a morning person.
Go to bed at the same time every night
You need to set a suitable time for you to go to bed each night. As mentioned before no point staying up into the early hours of the morning expecting to get up early.
You need to establish how many hours sleep you need per night. Personally I need 6 good hours of sleep. Others will need maybe 8. Once you have established how many hours you need then set a time and try to go to bed at that time every night.
If you are someone that is used to going to bed late this may take some adjusting and it will not be easy and the next tip could help you.
Wake up at the same time every morning
If you start to follow a pattern you will find that your body will automatically adjust and you will begin to feel tired at night and wake up at the same time.
No matter what time I go to bed I always wake up at 6am. This is what my body is used to. If you are a night owl as mentioned above waking up early in the morning may help in getting you to bed early as you will be pretty exhausted.
Avoid triggers that will keep you awake at night
If you want to train yourself to go to bed early you will have to switch off. This means no social media before bedtime.
Try a hot bath and reading a book (not a kindle). You need to stay away from any computer or phone screens. No technology at all, not even TV at least one hour before bed.
It is important that your room stays absolutely dark in order to get a good nights sleep.
Get yourself a good alarm and don’t press snooze in the morning
If you are new to getting up early you may want to invest in a good alarm. One that will be very loud so you cannot miss it.
Do not hit the snooze button, you want to be awake not fall back asleep. I suggest getting out of bed and jumping straight in the shower to fully wake up.
Write To do lists in the morning
Writing a to do list is a fantastic way to start your morning. It brings order and great satisfaction as you tick off what you have done.
Do not nap during the day
As tempting as it may be to have a little nap in the afternoon, don’t. By not having a nap you will be more tired in the evening and able to go to bed at your usual time.
Exercise regularly
Working out is good both physically and mentally. I would say that the best time to workout would be in the morning. It puts you in a good mood and by exercising early morning you get it out of the way.
Also the more active and productive you are during the day the more likely you are to sleep well.
I hope the above tips have helped you on the road to become a morning person. If you would like further help, feel free to get in touch via my Facebook page.