How to wake up early in the morning: 5 expert tips that work like magic

Waking up early is a game-changer for productivity, mental well-being, and health. But let’s face it: breaking your sleep habit can be difficult. If you’re trying to become a morning person and start your day with energy and positivity, a few little tricks can work wonders. Here are the top 5 tips that can change your morning—and they’re all surprisingly easy to add to your daily routine!

Keep your alarm clock away from you

It’s tempting to hit the snooze button, but if the alarm is across the room, we have to get out of bed to physically turn it off. This small action helps reduce sleepiness and encourages us to get back on our feet. Add a quick task like standing up to turn off the alarm, and you’ll trick your brain into staying awake rather than falling back asleep. Place your alarm clock on a shelf or in a corner where you can’t reach it from your bed. For a stronger effect, use a loud or upbeat alarm that is hard to ignore.

Resist going back to bed

Once you’ve turned off your alarm, it’s important to resist the urge to crawl back under the covers, which can derail your morning before it even begins. The body craves routine, so staying out of bed helps signal the brain that it’s time to start the day. Consistency is essential to habit formation, and the more we resist going back to bed, the easier it is for us to stay awake. Open the curtains or turn on a bright light as soon as you get up. This tells your body’s internal clock that it’s morning, making it easier for you to feel alert.

Take a cold shower immediately after waking up.

A cold shower may seem overwhelming, but it’s a great way to wake yourself up. The shock of cold water increases blood flow, refreshes the mind and quickly puts us in a state of readiness. According to a study published in the medical journal Lifestyle in 2020, exposure to cold activates your nervous system, which can boost your mood and energy levels throughout the day. Even a quick rinse with cool water can help wake up your body and mind.
Eat lightly and go to bed early the night before

Eat lightly and go to bed early

One of the best things you can do to wake up early is to prepare the night before. Eating a heavy meal before bed can disrupt sleep, so try a light dinner that won’t help you sleep. Going to bed earlier also helps us wake up rested and eliminate the temptation to snooze. According to the US National Website, 7-9 hours of sleep is optimal for most adults, so plan your evenings accordingly. Establish a bedtime routine an hour before bed – dim the lights, avoid screens, and drink calming tea to signal your body that it’s time to sleep.

Don’t oversleep on the weekend

It’s tempting to sleep in on the weekend, but sleeping in can actually disrupt your body’s rhythm, making it harder for you to wake up early on weekdays. Instead, try to wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends, to help your body get into a reliable rhythm. This habit may seem difficult at first, but over time, waking up early becomes natural. Plan enjoyable weekend morning activities to motivate yourself to wake up at the same time. A favorite breakfast spot, a cup of coffee with a friend, or a morning walk will help you wake up easier and keep your body clock consistent.