Morning Tips and Tricks

As I am really trying to get back into my early morning routine, I thought I should share some of the things that have helped me thus far.

1. Go to bed when you are TIRED.

I try and listen to my body and usually if I am in a routine this means I get tired about the same time every night, which means I go to bed around the same time. Don’t stay up later than you should just because you want to finish one more episode of Army Wives or because you have a blog article due the next day (ahem). 30 minutes before bed time turn off all electronics!!! Grab a book and relax.

2. Lay out your workout + work clothes the night before.

Honest, it really helps. Making decisions, even small ones about which tank top or socks to wear, can be challenging in the wee hours of the morning.

3. Program your coffee maker.

Although I LOVE French press coffee, getting up to a fresh cup of already brewed coffee every morning is so wonderful. Or if you have a Keurig ,it takes like 5 seconds to brew! Then I enjoy 15 minutes at the beginning of the day to wake up and be silent and get ready to take on the battle 😉

4. Set your alarm. Across the room.

I have the innate ability of being able to slap an alarm clock’s snooze button without actually rising fully out of unconsciousness. I believe my record during one morning marathon was two hours of consecutive snoozage. I NEVER used to do this! Who am I?

The thing is, snoozing sucks. It’s low-quality sleep that doesn’t leave you feeling restful in any way. So there is no alarm on my bedside table, anymore and no snooze. I am putting my iPhone across the room that way I have to get up and out of bed to turn it OFF!

5. No more another 10 mins.

I think everyone including me has two conflicting aspects to their personality. There’s the one which is good and generally seeks to self improve and be productive. Then there’s the other one – the little voice in the head urging us to sleep in for another 10 mins.

I’ve learned the hard way that this little voice rarely has anything good to say. My advice is don’t ever have a discussion with him or indulge in anything he says! Sleeping in for another 10 mins is guaranteed to lead to another 10 mins and then another. The next time you hear that little voice, just say “No” out loud and …

6. Put a glass of water next to your alarm.

Drink the whole glass when you get up and turn the alarm off. After a full night’s sleep, you’re probably a little dehydrated, and for whatever reason, drinking water just seems to help the body realize that it’s time to get up!

7. Have a good reason for being up early.

Whether it’s hitting the gym, taking your dog for a walk, meditating, or doing some light Yoga. The key is PLAN! For me I like to meet up with a friend, I need the accountability.

Let me close by saying that I love to sleep! I could sleep for 8 hours a night and still be perfectly happy to take a 2-hour nap every day. Sleep is wonderful and is something that I both enjoy and endorse.

However, my love for sleep is overshadowed by my burning desire to accomplish both my physical fitness goals, as well as my personal goals. I only point that out because I want you, friends, to know that this list was not written by some robot who only needs 4 hours of sleep per night.I want to get my butt out of bed early in the morning because I have goals to accomplish.

By no means do I think I am an expert,  those are just my little morning rituals.

What helps you get out of bed in the morning