How To Be A Morning Person: A 2024 Guide
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It is said that the early bird catches the worm. But are early birds born or made? How to become a morning person to make the most out of your day? If you’re ready to embrace the early hours and make the most of your day, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll share practical tips and strategies on how to be a morning person, so you can wake up refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle whatever lies ahead. Let’s dive in!
The Challenge: Why Am I So Tired In The Morning?
Waking up feeling tired is a common struggle many of us face, but understanding why we feel this way can help us overcome it. A variety of factors can contribute to morning fatigue, including poor sleep quality, stress, and even diet and exercise habits.
Additionally, underlying health conditions like sleep apnea or insomnia may contribute to morning fatigue. Understanding these reasons can help us address them effectively and improve our sleep hygiene for a more restful night’s sleep.
Remember your brain doesn’t rest. Even though you fall asleep, it is always functioning on some level. Either to keep your body functions working properly, or to analyze some unconscious aspects of your life and day.
That’s why you may have to deal with nightmares, vivid dreams, or other sleep disturbances that will make you feel like you didn’t rest at all.
Research has shown that early risers tend to be more productive, proactive, and optimistic compared to night owls. By waking up early, you have more time to engage in self-care activities, exercise, or pursue personal interests before the demands of the day kick in. Additionally, early mornings are often quieter and more peaceful, providing an opportunity for reflection and mindfulness. Embracing the morning person lifestyle can lead to improved mental health, increased energy levels, and a greater sense of fulfillment in life.
Strategies for Waking Up Refreshed
For some, an alarm is more than enough. But the answer to how to wake up early in the morning relies on routines, consistency, and your sleep environment. Let’s discuss some strategies to wake up refreshed in the morning.
Establishing a consistent sleep schedule
One of the most effective ways to wake up feeling refreshed is to establish a consistent sleep schedule. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally. Be sure to prioritize getting seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to fully recharge.
If you are curious about your chronotype, or at which time of the day are you more productive, please read our article on the matter.
Creating a calming bedtime routine
Developing a calming bedtime routine can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Consider activities such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation for sleep. Avoid stimulating activities like watching TV or scrolling through your phone, as the blue light emitted can interfere with your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.
Utilizing sleep-friendly gadgets and apps
Harness the power of technology to optimize your sleep environment. Invest in sleep-friendly gadgets such as white noise machines, smart thermostats, or sleep trackers to create a conducive atmosphere for restorative sleep. Additionally, you can find guided meditations, soothing sounds, and melodies for sleep in Meditopia’s library.
The benefits of morning guided meditation
Starting your day with guided meditation can set a positive tone for the rest of your day. Morning meditation can help reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and improve your overall sense of well-being. Whether you prefer a short five-minute meditation or a longer guided session, incorporating this practice into your morning routine can help you feel more grounded, focused, and ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead.
If you’d like to try your first Monday guided meditation, watch the video below and experience the power of mindfulness yourself.
Implementing positive affirmations and mindset shifts
Start your day on a positive note by implementing affirmations and mindset shifts that promote a can-do attitude. Replace negative thoughts with Monday positive affirmations such as “I am capable,” “I am energized,” or “Today is full of possibilities.” Cultivating a positive mindset can help you approach each day with optimism and resilience, making it easier to embrace the early mornings as a morning person.
Maximizing natural light exposure
Exposure to natural light plays a crucial role in regulating your body’s internal clock and promoting wakefulness. Open your curtains or blinds as soon as you wake up to let in natural sunlight, or step outside for a few minutes to soak up the morning rays. If natural light is limited, consider investing in a light therapy lamp to simulate sunlight and help regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a morning person is not an overnight transformation but rather a gradual journey of self-discovery and growth. Embrace the process and be patient with yourself as you navigate the ups and downs along the way.
Remember that progress takes time, and setbacks are a natural part of the learning process. By adopting a mindset of curiosity, resilience, and self-compassion, you can navigate the challenges of becoming a morning person with grace and determination.
