4 Tips for Waking Up Earlier
By Genevieve Cunningham
People generally fall into two main categories: early birds and night owls. It seems as though we’re almost born with a schedule, and then we hammer it in with our habits. But what if you want to switch? Is it a good idea? And is it possible? If you’d like to jump on the early bird train, take a look at these tips that can get you moving in the right direction.
Go to Bed Earlier
It might seem obvious, but far too many people skip this step. If you want to get up earlier, you have to go to bed earlier. Your body still needs rest, and if you don’t plan ahead, you’ll feel rundown and out of sorts. But don’t take on too much too fast. Just back your bedtime up by a few minutes at a time, and as your body gets used to it, back it up some more until it’s right where you want it.
Make a Plan
Waking up early is no easy task. That’s why it’s crucial to have a plan. What time do you want to wake up? What is the purpose? Is there anything that you want to accomplish in the mornings? Make a plan for why you want to make this change and what you want to come of it, and then make a plan of action to make it happen.
Take a Nap
While you’re adjusting to your new schedule, it might not hurt to take a nap. But make sure that this is done at the correct time of day. If you take a nap too late in the day, you won’t be able to sleep at night which will make the problem worse. Instead, try a little nap in the late morning or very early afternoon, and try not to make it any longer than about 30 minutes. This gives your body and brain a quick boost, but won’t keep you from sleeping that night.
Improve Your Sleep
Most people are shocked at how much easier it is to wake up in the morning when the overall quality of sleep is improved. How do you do this? It’s all in the environment. Get rid of distractions such as the TV, phone, or other device. Turn off as many lights as you can, and get the room to a cool and comfortable temperature. The better your sleep, the more likely you are to wake up bright eyed and without as much trouble.
Waking up early is generally a good idea for everyone. It gets the day started off on the right foot, encourages more activity and productivity, and gets you moving before everyone else. But starting the habit can be tough. Use these tips to get you moving in the right direction, and you’ll be an early bird before you know it.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Anaheim, Calif.
