How I Took Control of My Mornings and Changed My Life

Ever looked at those moms in videos who are up before the kids to do yoga, clean, or run a side hustle and thought, “Yeah, right”? I used to feel the same way until I figured out how to do it myself. Now, I’m one of those smug women, so you can hate me or join me—here’s how I did it.

1. Set a Consistent Bedtime

I committed to a consistent bedtime, making sure I got 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Regulating my body’s clock was crucial, and it made waking up easier over time.

2. Gradually Adjust Your Wake-Up Time

I didn’t make a huge jump; I moved my wake-up time earlier by 15 minutes each day. This gradual shift prevented the shock to my system and helped me adjust smoothly.

3. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

I adopted a calming bedtime routine that included reading and taking a warm bath. This routine signaled my body that it was time to wind down, making falling asleep easier.

4. Limit Screen Time Before Bed

I cut back on screen time an hour before bed because the blue light was messing with my sleep. Without the screens, I fell asleep faster and slept better.

5. Prepare for the Morning the Night Before

I got into the habit of prepping for the next morning before bed—laying out clothes, prepping breakfast, and organizing my workbag. This made mornings less chaotic and more manageable.

6. Use a Gentle Alarm

I switched to a gentle, gradual alarm instead of a loud, jarring one. This made waking up much more pleasant and less of a shock.

7. Let Natural Light In

I opened the curtains as soon as I woke up to let natural light flood in. Natural light helped regulate my circadian rhythm and made it easier to wake up.

8. Avoid the Snooze Button

I stopped hitting the snooze button because it only made waking up harder. Getting out of bed as soon as the alarm went off became a non-negotiable habit.

9. Drink Water First Thing

I started each day with a big glass of water to rehydrate and kickstart my metabolism. It was a simple but effective way to wake up my body.

10. Move Your Body

Incorporating light exercise, like stretching or a short walk, into my morning routine helped me shake off grogginess and feel more energized.

11. Eat a Healthy Breakfast

I made sure to have a nutritious breakfast with protein, whole grains, and fruits. This gave me the energy I needed to start my day strong.

12. Keep a Morning Journal

I began journaling each morning to set my intentions and focus my mind. It became a peaceful and productive part of my routine.

13. Limit Caffeine Intake

I limited my caffeine to the morning hours only. Drinking coffee late in the day disrupted my sleep, so cutting back improved my nights.

14. Set Morning Goals

Having clear goals for the morning motivated me to get out of bed. Whether it was a workout or starting a project, these goals gave my mornings purpose.

15. Avoid Heavy Meals Before Bed

I stopped eating heavy meals late at night as they interfered with my sleep. Lighter dinners and no late-night snacks made a big difference.

16. Practice Relaxation Techniques

I incorporated relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga before bed. These helped calm my mind and prepare me for sleep.

17. Stay Consistent on Weekends

Keeping my sleep schedule consistent even on weekends prevented the Monday morning struggle. Consistency was key to maintaining my new routine.

Hate Me or Join Me

I used to look at those early-rising moms with contempt, but now I’m one of them. It wasn’t easy, but these steps transformed my mornings—and they can transform yours too. So, hate me or join me on this journey to becoming a morning person.

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