Being a morning person sounds almost like a supernatural power. Each of us has a distinct personality type, and we all know whether we are early birds, night owls, or a hybrid of the two. Our circadian rhythm, or internal clock, regulates the times of day when we are typically alert and sleepy.
There’s no harm in embracing your inner night owl; in fact, some research suggests it might even be beneficial. But a new job, life event, or companion, or maybe just longing to make better use of your mornings, might cause a shift in your usual pattern.
If you’re a morning person, you may be better at focusing, reacting quickly, being pleasant, and being conscientious in general than a night owl, especially if your daily routine calls for you to be at your most alert between 9 am and 5 pm.
Here are some tips and tricks to make your journey towards becoming a morning person a bit easier:
1. Consistent Bedtimes and Wakeup Times
It’s crucial to assess and even revamp your bedtime routine to set the tone for the next day. Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day is essential if you want to alter your sleep schedule. Get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. This implies that if you want to start getting up at 7 a.m. and you normally go to bed at 1 a.m., you should go to bed no later than 12 p.m.
Sleeplessness is common, especially if you are not used to winding down at that time of day. To get a head start on your sleep schedule and become a morning person, you might want to turn out the lights, put away your electronics, and get to bed an hour or two before you normally would. By simulating a low-energy setting, you can encourage yourself to go to bed early.
2. Keep your shades open
You don’t need an alarm or a snooze button for this approach to help rewire your internal clock. If you leave your blinds open, natural light will enter your room when the sun rises. While your inner night owl may recall being irritated every morning because you failed to draw the curtains, the new, more disciplined version of yourself may find it more relaxing than the sound of a regular alarm clock. In a few days, you’d be waking up with the sun.
3. Create a morning ritual you’ll look forward to
So, you’ve decided to get up at an ungodly hour. Getting ready in the morning is not the same for everyone. If you’ve chosen to start getting up earlier than usual, finding a routine that you enjoy will go a long way toward keeping you motivated.
What helps you relax, motivates you, or fills you with joy? How about 20 minutes of quiet reflection? Do you like taking your time in the morning to prepare a healthy breakfast? Maybe you have a 10-step beauty regimen? Make new morning routines so that you aren’t always in a rush and have something to look forward to while waking up.
4. Prepare for the Day Ahead
Take care of the tasks you won’t be looking forward to the night before so you have more mental space for the enjoyable activities you’ll be engaging in the next day. Document everything about your morning routine that doesn’t make you happy. Is there anything you could do now to get a jump on tomorrow that would save you time? Before going to bed, you should prepare things like your lunch, clean the kitchen, fill up your gas tank, pack your gym bag, and set out your workout clothes. Make it a habit to give yourself as much time as possible in the morning to relax and get yourself ready for the day.
