Five Strategies to Help You Get Up Early

You’ve surely heard the saying “The early bird gets the worm.” It’s true that people who get up early are more likely to achieve their daily goals. That being said, this article will give you some strategies to help you get up early.

First, keep in mind that getting up early is a battle fought on two fronts. The first thing you have to do is prepare the body. The second thing you have to do is wake up a sleeping mind. Therefore, we recommend creating a routine focused on organization and foresight. For example, preparing some things before bed such as your meals for the next day will help you.

According to a study by the University of Toronto and the Rotman Research Institute of Canada, people who get up early tend to be happier and healthier. The study found that early risers are generally healthier and more satisfied with their lives than night owls. This is because they find it easier to adapt to the natural waking up/sleep cycle of life.

So, in addition to using your discipline and willpower, we suggest you implement the following strategies to help you get up early if you want to achieve this goal.

Good rest

The struggle to get up early is not all mental. There’s an important physical component: rest. Hence, not only the quality of your sleep is important, but also the quantity.

Therefore, make sure to go to bed early instead of staying up late. Also, pay attention to your diet and exercise. The general shape you’re in physically greatly affects sleep habits and energy levels.

Go to bed 30-60 minutes before your usual bedtime

Actually, one of the biggest obstacles that keeps people from falling asleep, besides not producing enough melatonin, is the mind being too active. 

Some people have such active minds that they have to distract themselves. They play music, listen to the radio, or watch television until they fall asleep.

You need time to relax and let the worries of the day vanish. One of the ways you can do this is by reading. You may not think you have time to read after a busy day, but don’t worry. After only 20 minutes of reading, you’ll notice that you feel tired.

Set goals for the next day

If the only thing you have planned for the morning is showering and heading straight to the office, it’s no surprise that you’re not motivated to get out of bed. Your morning tasks need to excite you. If you’re not, we can understand why staying in bed may seem like a better option.

We recommend that you make a list. Write down the things you want to do the next day. Things like running, watching your favorite series, seeing your family, etc. are good goals to set. Just setting some goals can make getting up early easier.

Do it gradually

If you want to change the time you get up, do it gradually. First, get up 15 minutes earlier than usual for two days. Then, try getting up even earlier. Realistic goals make you feel that you’re accomplishing something. You’re doing what you set out to do and you’re on the path to success.

Adopt the right routine

What happens before bed often determines sleep quality. Therefore, we recommend you stop doing certain small things. This will help you get up earlier.

• Don’t play sports 3 hours before going to bed.
• No caffeine after 2:00 pm
• Don’t use electronic devices 30 minutes before going to bed.
• Don’t drink alcohol before bed.
• Eat dinner at least two hours before resting.

In short, the body an adapt easily over time to getting up early. Soon, it will come naturally and you won’t have to put forth any effort. If you apply these strategies, you’ll become an early riser.