Have you ever wished you could wake up early with energy and optimism, ready to tackle the day ahead? Not just forcing yourself out of bed when the alarm rings, but genuinely looking forward to the early hours?
I get it because I’ve been there. As someone who naturally rises early and loves starting the day before everyone else, I can tell you there’s nothing like waking up to the sun and enjoying the quiet, productive mornings.
But, even as an early riser, I have days when I want to sleep in or dread getting up. In my 30s, I finally discovered the best way to maintain my morning routine, and now, I can’t imagine starting my day any other way. As a single mom, waking up early has become a necessity, helping me stay organized, less stressed, and more productive.
We all know how challenging it can be to wake up in the morning. But what if you could turn it into the best part of your day?
What are the benefits of being a morning person?
Being a morning person comes with a myriad of benefits. Morning people often experience higher productivity, better mental health, and more free time. They also tend to have more consistent sleep patterns and may enjoy a more peaceful start to their day.
From increased productivity and better mental health to more time for self-care, embracing the morning can significantly improve your quality of life. But how do you make the switch? Let’s explore ten actionable steps to help you become a morning person and love every minute of it.
Here are 10 simple steps to make your mornings brighter, more organized, and happier.
1. Craft a Morning Routine You Love
The first step to becoming a morning person is creating a morning routine that excites you. Without a routine, sticking to an early wake-up time can be challenging.
Your routine should include activities that make you feel good and look forward to the day ahead. For instance, I start my mornings with a big glass of water, a pep talk, and enjoy a workout. This quiet, personal time sets a positive tone for my day. I look forward to completing my morning routine with breakfast and coffee.
A helpful resource for creating an ideal morning routine is The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. This book provides excellent strategies for embracing an earlier wake-up time. Many readers have found it transformative, reporting improved productivity and a more positive outlook on life.
2. Prep Everything the Night Before
Make your mornings easier by preparing the night before. This reduces the morning rush and helps you start the day calmly.
Pack your lunch, lay out your clothes, and ensure everything you need is ready to go. The less you have to think about in the morning, the smoother your transition to an early riser will be.
For instance, I started prepping snacks and the daycare bag the night before. That way, all I have to do in the morning is worry about getting myself and my child dressed and out the door! This small change made a big difference in how my mornings feel.
Here’s more specifics on how I prepare for the week ahead on Sundays to set myself up for success!
3. Wake Up on the First Alarm
When you’re starting out, getting out of bed when your alarm goes off can be tough. Train your body by placing your alarm clock across the room. This forces you to get up to turn it off and helps you resist the temptation to snooze.
If you struggle with this, consider using an alarm clock app like Alarmy, which requires you to complete a task (such as solving a math problem) before it turns off. This added challenge can make waking up more engaging and fun.
Recognize, that the more you wake up at the same time, you could get to the point where you don’t need an alarm at all. Think of how peaceful a morning that is to wake up to!
4. Prioritize Your Sleep
A critical aspect of becoming a morning person is getting enough sleep. I cannot stress this enough. Sleep is literally The One Habit That Can Transform Your Life. Aim for 7-8 hours each night by establishing a sleep schedule. For example, if you plan to wake up at 7 am, ensure you’re in bed by 11 pm. This consistency will help you wake up feeling refreshed.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health. Lack of sleep can lead to numerous health issues, including impaired cognitive function and increased stress levels.
I love using the Sleep Cycle app to track my sleep patterns.
5. Wake Up to the Sunlight
Natural light is one of the best ways to wake up. Open your curtains or blinds to let the sunlight in. Exposure to morning light helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to wake up early.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that exposure to natural light in the morning helps improve mood, alertness, and sleep quality. If your room doesn’t get much natural light, consider using a light therapy lamp to simulate morning sunlight.
If you want to know how serious I am about this, and how much I LOVE waking up to natural sunlight, I choose my house because the bedroom windows face northeast!
6. Drink Water First Thing
Hydrate yourself immediately upon waking. Drinking water first thing in the morning helps flush out toxins and kickstarts your metabolism. It’s a simple yet effective way to wake up your body and mind.
I noticed a significant difference in my energy levels once I made this a habit. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and sluggishness, so starting your day with water sets a healthy tone for the rest of your morning.
It’s #2 on my top 6 Healthy Habits Starter Kit to improve your life and start living the best version of yourself. 
7. Move Your Body
Morning exercise is a fantastic way to start your day. Even if you only have 10 minutes, a quick workout can energize you for the day ahead. Whether it’s a jog, a walk, or a home workout, moving your body helps set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Research from the American Heart Association shows that morning exercise can boost metabolism, improve sleep, and reduce stress. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure you get your daily physical activity in, regardless of how busy the rest of your day is.
8. Get Ready for the Day
Getting dressed and ready early on helps prevent the temptation to crawl back into bed. Being ready for the day boosts your productivity and helps you feel prepared to tackle your tasks.
I used to work from home in my pajamas, but switching to a routine where I get dressed as if I’m going to the office made a huge difference. It psychologically prepares you for a productive day.
9. Step Outside
Leaving the house in the morning can make early hours more enjoyable. Activities like going for a walk, visiting a café, or hitting the gym can help you feel productive and ready to face the day.
One of my favorite things to do is take a short walk around my neighborhood with my baby and my dog. The fresh air and light exercise help clear my mind and set a positive tone for the day. It also helps us get some Vitamin D before the harsh afternoon sun.
10. Understand Your Why
Knowing why you want to become a morning person is essential for maintaining motivation. Whether you seek more energy, time for a side hustle, or quiet moments to yourself, having a clear purpose will help you stick to your new routine.
The key is to find a routine that works best for you and aligns with your goals. For instance, if you’re striving for better work-life balance, mornings might be the perfect time for self-care or personal projects.
How long does it take to become a morning person?
Depends on how quickly you want to transition. Although the time it takes to become a morning person varies for everyone, waking just 15 minutes earlier a day is the fastest way to get to your goal wake time. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months to adjust to a new sleep schedule and establish a morning routine.
Conclusion
Transforming into a morning person, even if you’ve always been a night owl, is possible with these 10 tips. By following these steps, you’ll soon look forward to waking up early and starting your day on a positive note. What are some of your favorite ways to wake up in the morning? Let me know in the comments below!
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