8 expert approved ways to become a morning person
Boost your get-up-and-go.
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Updated: 5:43 AM PDT Apr 29, 2021
mornings, magical time of day, sun shining, birds chirping and then there's you desperately making coffee because every morning's good mood is sponsored by coffee. But if you want to be an energetic early riser, there's a method, the huffpost recommends called the Rice Up method that could finally transform you into a morning person, resist the urge to hit the snooze button. Whenever you hit snooze, you interrupt the restorative part of your sleep cycle, so you end up groggy and arrested, increase your activity for the first hour walk, the dog, go to the coffee shop, exercise, etcetera. All of these signal your body to start the day shower. Here's the tricky part. Apparently, some trials have found that our levels of alertness are tied to different temperature parameters. So if we're talking about mornings, then were most certainly talking about cold showers, not for you try at least splashing some cold water on your face, expose yourself to sunlight because quote morning sunlight is the most powerful anchor around which our internal rhythms can align. Upbeat music will shake your morning crankiness off dance all out. Or simply listen to a podcast, audiobook or the news. Just do it while you're moving around. Lastly, phone, a friend kind of like who wants to be a millionaire. Social contact promotes alertness, so just interact, either by phone or in person. Follow these steps to scare the nite owl away.
8 expert approved ways to become a morning person
Boost your get-up-and-go.
![House Beautiful logo]()
Updated: 5:43 AM PDT Apr 29, 2021
Not everyone enjoys early starts, but there are some steps you can follow to help you become a morning person.
"Daily routines help us to stay focused, maintain productivity and feel fulfilled by activating the reward system in our brains when we complete tasks," says Alister Gray, executive leadership coach, mindset expert and founder of Mindful Talent. "Routines bring a level of certainty and security amidst a time when uncertainty can often feel overwhelming."
It's natural to feel a lack of motivation with a change in daily structure, and we may find ourselves sleeping in more than we used to. However, during these moments of uncertainty, maintaining a routine is key, and Alister adds that waking up early allows us the time to prepare ourselves for the day ahead.
But does the thought of an early start send fear through your veins? And routine seems impossible? Three experts share their tips to find motivation first thing and turn yourself into a morning person.
1
Fuel your brain to focus
What you eat can help you to stick to a routine. Nutritionist Jenna Hope recommends eggs, as the yolks contain choline, which is pivotal for supporting memory, mood and cognition. As well as eggs, enjoy oily fish and nuts.
"Omega-3 in oily fish is associated with improved concentration and better cognitive performance. Nuts (specifically walnuts) and seeds are also a source of ALA omega-3 which is converted into EPA and DHA, the active forms of omega-3," Hope explains. "Vitamin D from the sun as well as foods such as salmon, mushrooms and eggs can boost brain power."
2
Protect your sleep
A good night’s sleep can make you feel like a new person. And that’s not surprising when you consider just how many health benefits sleeping well can have.
"Sleep supports the proteins and cells of your immune system to detect and destroy bugs and germs. Sleep also helps to reduce stress, support mental wellbeing and improve heart health," says Euan MacLennan, herbal director at Pukka Herbs and medical herbalist at an NHS practice in London.
3
Try meditation
Yoga and meditation teacher, Kirsty Gallagher, recommends meditating for five to 10 minutes upon waking.
"Sit quietly as soon as you get up and focus on your breath; deep breath in and deep breath out, allowing yourself to become calm and present. As thoughts come into your mind don’t get caught up in them or dwell on them, simply acknowledge them and let them go, returning your mind back to your breath," she says.
"Feel the calm, the peace, the presence. This one pause will make the biggest shift to your day and all that follows."
4
Listen to inspiring people
Gallagher recommends downloading podcasts or audio books from some of the world’s most inspirational people.
"Allowing their words to infuse and shape your day can be really beneficial, particularly if you begin your mornings listening to their positive mantras," she says.
5
Bring bedtime forward
For Lucy Gornall, personal trainer at DigMe Fitness, the big secret to being a morning person is simply getting to bed earlier. "I go to sleep between half 9 and 10 and find that getting up at 5 is barely an issue as I will have had at least 7 hours sleep," she says.
A nighttime routine to help relax your body and bring a sense of calm is essential.
6
Write it down
Gray explains why journaling is a great way to develop motivation.
He explains: "If you are unsure of your 'why,' then spend time considering this: Journaling as part of a morning routine is a great way to delve deeper into your motivations, asking questions such as, 'What would make today great? What am I grateful for today? and What inspires me most in life?'"
7
Set a wake-up intention before bed
"Take a moment to make a pact with yourself that you will wake up earlier tomorrow than you did today, and then in small increments each day, work towards the desired time,' says Gray.
"If you are waking at 8 a.m. and you wish to wake up at 6 a.m., I’d suggest that you break it down; aim for 7:45 a.m. and reduce it by 5/10/15 minutes each day."
8
Move your alarm
Gornall says that placing your alarm across the room means you have to physically get up to turn it off. "When you’re up, stay up, and crack on with the rest of your day," she advises.
