Do you wake up each morning reaching for the snooze button, struggling to get up and start your day? Not being a morning person can often interrupt your capability of having a productive and energy-filled day. I
n fact, The National Sleep Foundation highlights the importance of what they refer to as sleep hygiene: the different habits and practices that allow individuals to have a good rest and full alertness during the day.
And what is one of the most important practices? Getting up at an appropriate time after a good night’s rest. The Total Health Nutrition Center states that the best time to wake up is with the sunrise, at about 6:30 a.m., after roughly seven hours of sleep.
If you struggle to get up at this hour, then take a look at these quick tips to help you start your day.
1. Establish a Sleep Schedule
By going to sleep at the same time and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, you are able to regulate your body clock. Over time, you will become used to these timings, and will hopefully wake up early naturally. A big part of regulating your body clock is to also manage your circadian rhythm, which is affected by your exposure to light. Try and keep your bedroom dark and expose yourself to the natural sunlight as soon as you wake up.
2. Get a Good Coffee Machine
It’s the one thing that most people get excited about in the morning, so why not include coffee as an incentive to get up? Purchase a quality coffee machine like a Nespresso so you have something delicious to look forward to, as this will help you make the move out of bed. For those of you who really find it difficult, why not place the coffee machine on your bedside table and start brewing as soon as your alarm goes off?
The noise and movement will help you wake up, let alone the caffeine you’re about to consume. A morning coffee can also be a great ritual to start your day. Try sitting outside in the fresh air or taking a walk while you drink it to energize your body.
3. Get Proper Sleep
It may seem obvious, but in order to get up in the morning, you need to ensure you get a good night’s sleep. If you’re still wide awake at 11 p.m., try different tricks to help you relax: avoid bright lights from TV, laptops and phones; exercise regularly; and avoid daytime naps.
4. Set Morning Goals
Setting goals for the morning is a handy trick to force yourself to get up. Whether it’s completing certain work tasks, going to the gym, having the time to cook a healthy breakfast or doing some chores before work, giving yourself tasks to complete may help you get yourself out of bed. When setting goals, make sure they are achievable and something that will give you a happy and healthy start to the day.
5. Play a Game
If you know that getting out of bed is going to be hard no matter what, then you may have to use other tactics to get out from under the covers. For instance, place a second alarm clock away from your bed so that you have to get up to turn it off; or download an app like Wake Shake, which requires you to get up and shake your phone to turn off the alarm; or try the Better Me app, which shares your snoozing habits to Facebook unless you get up.
Being a morning person can be a tricky endeavor, but is beneficial for your mind and body if it’s achieved. If you’re finding it difficult to get up, then try some of these quick tips, other wellness routine resources and notice the difference in your overall health.
Identity Magazine is all about guiding women to discover their powers of Self-Acceptance, Appreciation, and Personal Achievement. We ask that every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme.
Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the current article they have written. In that way, and as a team, we hope to encourage and motivate each other, thus inspiring you to Get All A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? Additionally, what are you still working on accepting? Now, we’re talking about resignation, rather stepping into, embraced, and owned.
My crazy hair! Having silky straight hair was all the rage when I was growing up, so I was never happy having wild, curly hair. I’ve learnt to love it as I’ve grown older, and I think it’s a big part of my personality.
2. What have you learned to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? On the other hand OR in contrast, are there elements of who you are that you’re still working on appreciating?
I definitely appreciate my family and friends – they’ve always been wonderful to me. In regards to myself, I’ve always appreciated my strength and problem-solving skills.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? Tell us not only what makes YOU most proud but also share the goals and dreams that you still have.
Being able to travel has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve learnt a lot about the world, challenged myself and been immersed in some really great experiences.
I’m still young so I’d love to progress my career further and travel to new and interesting places.
4. Of course, we all have imperfections, or so we think. In truth, we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? Likewise, what imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
I tend to be a bit of stress-head sometimes, worrying more than is needed. While this can sometimes be annoying for me and the people around me, I think it also helps me to stay on top of things and always work hard.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to appreciate and express all the positive traits that make you…well…YOU! In fact, sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (We assure you!) Therefore, Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my ability to bounce back and always challenge myself. I love that I see potential in myself and am willing to work hard to reach that potential.
