How to wake up earlier if you really need it

How to wake up earlier if you really need it

• Wednesday, 23 May 2018

As a person who has experiences of running things as in the early morning as well as in the deep night, I can say that both times can be good for doing some stuff but I much prefer that feelings when you've done the bulk of important tasks in the morning and feel free for the rest of the day. And besides I believe the night is created for sleep, sweet dreams and proper rest.

But how to wake up earlier? This question really bothered me recently (waking up earlier is one of my May goals by the way), I couldn't recollect how I could get up from my bed at 5:30. And honestly I'm still not waking up at this time but I'd like to... to accomplish the bunch of desirable things before lunch and even breakfast.

I've read 'Miracle Morning' by Hal Elrod one or two years ago so I've decided to recollect some tips from this book and other things which helped me out before (writing the compilation of certain things is quite difficult gotta say).

Physical tricks which work but not so efficiently:

1. Put your phone (with the alarm) in the far corner of the room where you sleep. You'll have to wake up 'cause you'll have to stand up and go. This should be good at first but then better think about your state of mind.
2. Choose something pleasant instead of standard alarm sounds. But I much prefer wake up naturally, programming my mind the night before.
3. Never ever tap on snoose button. It produces fatigue and indecision through the whole day. I was a chronic morning snoozer during my uni period but now I quit.
4. Drink a glass of water right after sleep. The reason is obvious, 7-8 hours without hydration should be covered by morning glass of water. It activates necessary functions of our brain. But yes, it happens after you actually woke up.

Effective things to do:

1. Plan the next day ahead (the previous evening).

   That's simple, in the morning your conscious mind will already know what you should do during that day. And you won't force yourself to remember what to do that's problematic due to limited room in our brain for decision-making.
   

2. Prepare all necessary things (your bag, breakfast or meal-prep for the day, or other stuff) night before.

   It also unloads our mind operative system as well as the first point above.

3. Add something enjoyable (special) in the morning.

   Favourite tea or another drink, few pages of the book which inspires you, watch a video or read a post of your fave blogger, eat square of chocolate (better dark one ofc) and so on, something which doesn't take much time 'cause it easily can turn into procrastination.

4. Create your own morning routine which related to your needs.

   (the example of this routine is introduced by Hal Elrod, so-called 'miracle morning' routine: reading, exercising, reciting affirmations, practicing silence, visualizing daily tasks, journaling, taking care of MITs (the most important things for the day) - everyone has their own. I'm seeing his routine enough effective for maintaining good attitude for the day. At first this morning routine looks pretty overwhelmed but it depends on time you spend on tasks and besides you accoplish them in a group and in a row (chunking technique) that doesn't overburden you. This kind of routine helps to maintain the right mood for the day and when you successfully accoplishing the chuck of tasks you'll feel great anyway. While our mind still doesn't get overwhelmed by everyday chores and duties so you can efficiently complete other important tasks. You'll keep this fantastic feelings in mind after ticking off lots of stuff from your to-do list for a while so you'll definitely find the reason to wake up earlier finally.

5. Waking up earlier is only our decision so it's up to us. 

   As I mentioned above I was a morning snoozer during the whole school and uni periods but I believe it was exactly because of a lack of determination.

6. Think how it's amazing to arise in the early morning before others do.

   How it's terrific to wake up earlier to keep up with a lot more things than other people and enjoy this miracle silence of the beginning of the day. And how many things we could make!
   
   
   

   Quick overview of potential morning routine (everyone can change the order on own taste) :

   1. Wake up, drink water, brush your teeth.
   2. Read a few pages of a good book (much prefer about self-growth).
   3. Exercise for 10-15 minites, take a shower (practicing silence at the same time if you're not much into meditation), wash your face, apply skincare products.
   4. Recite affirmations.
   5. Visualize your day and how you accomplish tasks.
   6. Journaling (though I think this point better leave for the evening).
   7. Taking care of other MITs.
   Alright it turnes into a not-so-quick overview hah but you get it. If you wanna your mornings become more mindful and pleasing, you have to give this routine and the points above a try. You see, all these things are about the certain state of mind and preparing for the next day the night before.

Have a good day or night!

Ann XOXO