Ever since I was 5 years old, I’ve been a morning person. When I first started school, we could choose if we wanted it in the morning or afternoon. I, of course, chose the morning schedule so I could have the afternoon free to play and do homework. Years later, when I went to college, almost everyday before class, I would hit the gym at 7AM to start the day fresh. This kept going until I was in my Master’s.
I always feel fresh and productive in the morning and rather have an early start of the day. Anytime I wake up after 10AM, my mood gets all switched and my day is already half way through. I didn’t need to develop any tricks to do it but I’ll let you know what I do in order to accomplish it, so you can also become a morning person.
Plan your breakfast the night before.
I know this seems counterintuitive but it always works for me. When I know what I’m expecting the next day for breakfast, I’m eager to get out of bed, make and have breakfast, especially when it’s something you love – for me it can be a buttery toast, oatmeal or pancakes.
Set your alarm for three different times.
I always set it, for example, for 8, 8:10, 8:20 and 8:30AM. The thought that I still have 10 more minutes to sleep or wake up always relaxes me. If this doesn’t work for you, try setting it for 8 and 8:30 – or any other time you have/want to get up. And if this still doesn’t help you, place your phone or alarm clock away from your bed so you absolutely have to get up.
Arrange your clothes and bag.
If the next day I had class, work or going to the gym, the previous night I would arrange everything I would need in the morning, this way, you spare a few minutes for getting ready or eating breakfast. Whether it was what I was wearing, my gym bag with everything in it or my laptop and agenda.
Visualize the things you have/want to do.
In the morning, it’s always my busiest time; before it was going to gym, getting ready for class and going to class. Now it’s answering emails, reading my daily blog roll and sharing the morning post. If you have to go to work, make sure to think about one or two things you have to do, before you fall asleep. For me, it helps to visualize the tasks I have, without feeling stressed, and if so, note it down so you won’t forget and have a better sleep night.
Always open your curtains or shades.
Whether you are the first (or only) one getting up, open up your curtains or shades. This has been proven to set you in a better mood for the day. Take a good look outside your window and get ready to start your day!