Are you a morning person? I’m certainly not. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be.
I’ve been working on waking up easier instead of laying in bed for an hour after my alarm has gone off. It’s hard!
And I know that many of us struggle to wake up and get our days going each day.
With the sheer volume of responsibilities that we have and items to mark off of our to-do list each day, it’s a wonder any of us can even see straight.
I get it, but did you know that if you are able to wake up happier in the mornings, these busy, hectic days can flow better and maybe, just maybe, you can ease some of the stress that has always got you tied in knots?
How to Wake Up Happier
I’ve been using these 15 tips for waking up happier each day, and they’ve really made a difference. I bet that if you start working on a few of them, you’ll see a definite change in how you greet each day.
Be Prepared
Prepare the night before. Ready your lunch, set out your clothes, put your exercise DVD in the DVD player so all you have to do is hit play. Having these things already done makes for a less stressful morning.
Having these things already done makes for a less stressful morning.
Clean Up
Clean your house a bit at night before you go to bed. Each night before bed spend a few minutes straightening up the house to prevent seeing it messy upon wake up. This could be as simple as wiping down your counters, and sorting clutter into baskets so that you (or the kids) can put it away in the morning.
Each night before bed spend a few minutes straightening up the house to prevent seeing it messy upon wake up. This could be as simple as wiping down your counters, and sorting clutter into baskets so that you (or the kids) can put it away in the morning.
Think Earlier
Go to bed earlier. Make it a goal to get to bed an hour earlier than you usually do so that you can get more sleep. Start in 15-minute increments and gradually move your bedtime earlier a little at a time over a few weeks.
Stop Snacking
Don’t go to bed on a full stomach. Your body has to work hard to digest food, and that means you’re using energy that you could be using to heal. Eat dinner several hours before bedtime for a more solid night’s rest.
Instead, eat dinner several hours before bedtime. I have been working to stop snacking at night after 7:00 pm and I’ve noticed that I’m definitely getting a more solid night’s rest.
Journal
Each night, write down a list of your accomplishments for the day and a to-do list for the next day. Getting those thoughts onto paper helps start the next day fresh, and will keep you from laying in bed thinking about your huge to do list.
I really like the 5 Minute Journal, as it focuses on the good things and the things you could improve as you head to bed (and it only takes 5 minutes).
Stretch Out
Wake up and stretch. Stretch out your muscles and get those endorphins moving. The best part about stretching is that you don’t have to leave your bed to do it (though standing up will help you wake up faster).
Eat Breakfast
Okay, this one won’t make you happy on the first day, but be sure to carve out enough time to eat a healthy breakfast. It will make a huge difference in your day.
If you feel like you don’t have time, prep your breakfast the night before-make some overnight oats, hard boil a couple eggs, or stock up on Rx Bars so you can “grab and go”.
Don’t Snooze
Do not hit the snooze button. I know those extra few minutes sound dreamy, but don’t do it, you will wake up feeling even more tired because your body takes time to wake up. Instead, do some gentle in bed stretches and then get up.
Change Things Up
Do you use your phone’s alarm to wake you up? Why not change your alarm tone to mix up your routine a bit, or consider using an alarm clock that includes a sunrise light feature to help your body naturally be more alert.
Avoid TV
Don’t turn on the TV first thing in the morning unless you’re using it to exercise.
If you wake up and turn on the TV you will likely either waste time watching something unimportant or you will get sucked into the stress of the morning news. Neither is ideal for a happy, productive day.
Wait to Jump Online
Put.Your phone.Down.
Wake up and start your day without checking your social media or email. Go unplugged for a little while each morning and see how that makes you feel.
I’ve started following what I call the “8 o’clock rule” where I am not allowed to check my phone, Facebook, or email before 8:00 in the morning. It’s really awesome.
Use a Morning Playlist
Still struggling? Turn on your favorite music to get your day started right.
I love that you can find energizing and uplifting playlists on Spotify for free.
Get Up Earlier
Wake up earlier than normal and enjoy a little bit of quiet time before the hectic day begins. If you want to get up earlier, use the same trick as getting to bed earlier. Move your alarm by 15 minutes every few days until you reach your desired wake time.
Enjoy a Drink
Sit down to enjoy your favorite cup of coffee (or tea). Whatever drink you start your day with, sit down and enjoy that first cup. I like to use this time to read my devotional or journal.
Exercise
Always work to fit in your recommended exercise throughout the day, it will help you sleep at night. If you’re new to a fitness routine, start small do 10 minutes at a time until you hit the recommended 30 minutes of movement a day.
Work your way up to 60 minutes gradually.
And that’s it! I don’t recommend that you completely overhaul your routine, but choosing one or two future habits to focus on, and when you’ve mastered them, add a few more.
In no time, you’ll feel more like a morning person (and less like you just want to go back to bed).