If you’ve ever wondered how to become a morning person, you’re not alone. Becoming a morning person is something most people struggle with. Sometimes getting out of bed seems challenging, and you just want to snuggle some more under the warm covers and snooze your alarm over and over again.
Becoming a morning person isn’t just about forcing yourself out of bed; it’s about creating habits that make mornings feel natural and even enjoyable. Small changes can make a big difference. To start, you can use a white noise sound machine to help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed. Read on to know more about how to become a morning person and fall in love with mornings all over again.
The Science of Your Internal Clock
The first step in becoming a morning person is understanding your internal clock. Your sleep is controlled by sleep pressure and the circadian rhythm, or your body clock. The circadian rhythm is a 24-hour cycle that regulates all your biological and physiological processes. It anticipates environmental changes around you so that your body can adapt to them.
Circadian rhythm is regulated by a small nucleus in the middle of your brain, which is called the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). This SCN is connected to other parts of your brain, and they control your circadian rhythm, along with other body functions.
Circadian rhythms affect all of the following:
- Sleep and wakefulness
- Body temperature
- Various hormonal changes
- Digestion
- Immune function
Start Small: A Gradual Shift in Your Routine
You need 7-9 hours of sleep at night. You will struggle to wake up if your body needs more sleep. While becoming a morning person is the goal, you still need to complete 7-9 hours to feel your best.
To train your body, you can start getting into bed five minutes earlier. Then the next night, get into bed five minutes earlier than that. You won’t notice that you’ll be getting into bed over an hour earlier in just two weeks. Your body will adjust eventually, so you’re not lying in bed awake.
You can also put your alarm far away from your bed. This will force you to get out of bed since you need to turn it off. You’ll also be less inclined to press the snooze button.
Creating a Soothing Evening Ritual for Better Sleep
It’s important to start with small and manageable changes when learning how to become a morning person. While going to bed early is an excellent way to wake up early, bedtime stress for the same reason is counterproductive.
If you go to bed early, with the stress of waking up on time, you might be unable to sleep. Having any stressful idea, be it work or personal issues, can affect your sleep routine. While it can be challenging to block these thoughts as a beginner, you can practice meditation, or you can journal your ideas. This can be a perfect way to have a sleep time routine.
Embrace the Light: Your Wake-Up Signal
After setting off your alarm, open your curtains or blinds to let the light into your room. Sunlight is not just a cheery way to start your day. It’s a physiological need to wake up and feel energized.
According to Sleep Advisor, natural light tells your body to suppress melatonin, the substance that makes you fall asleep. Sunlight tells your body that it’s time to wake up. You can also switch on your lights as soon as you wake up, as it indirectly activates your brain and your senses. Moreover, having enough ventilation and more light can help start your morning on a refreshing note.
Find Your Morning Motivation
Have something fun to look forward to in the morning. It will be much easier for you to wake up if you know a delicious breakfast is waiting for you. Find out things you love in the morning and do them.
Some ways to make your morning more enjoyable:
- Walk your dog
- Make time to have breakfast with your roommate
- Buy a fancy coffee maker
- Have breakfast foods you love and sit down to eat them
- Curate your morning playlist
- Start a morning skincare routine
- Do an exercise
Mind What You Eat and Drink for a Good Night’s Rest
What you eat and drink throughout the day has a big impact on how well you sleep at night. Avoid eating and drinking at least one hour before your bedtime to give your body some time to digest. You can also have whole grains that will keep you satiated without spiking your blood sugar.
On the other hand, starting your day with a protein-rich breakfast can help your body recover and produce better energy with a protein-rich diet and breakfast. Eating yogurt, eggs, and other high-protein, low-fat meals helps kickstart your day correctly. The best way to start your day is with a proper meal you and your body love.
Troubleshooting Common Challenges and Staying Consistent
Learning how to become a morning person takes time, and it’s normal to face challenges along the way. Here are some common obstacles and ways to overcome them
- Struggling to fall asleep at night?
You can try to create a calming bedtime routine with meditation or journaling, or try listening to a white noise machine sound to ease your mind and block distractions.
- Always hitting the snooze button?
Try placing your alarm clock across the room so you need to get out of bed to turn it off. You can also use an alarm with a gentle light or sound to wake up more naturally.
- Feeling unmotivated in the morning?
If you feel unmotivated in the morning, remind yourself of the benefits of being a morning person. Start your day with something you enjoy, like a short walk or sipping your favorite coffee.
- Losing consistency after a few days?
Keeping a set bedtime and wake-up schedule, even on weekends, can help strengthen your consistency. Remind yourself to focus on progress; small steps add up over time.
By addressing challenges and practicing patience, you’ll gradually reset your body clock. Consistency is the secret to making early mornings a lasting, rewarding habit.
