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Last Updated on 2015-01-08 by Kassandra
I am sharing this information today from Tegan Jones in synergy with the last post, 10 Morning Habits to Be Extraordinary. For many people, it’s difficult to rise so early when they have so much going on, maybe stayed up too late, maybe had a rough night’s sleep … Whatever the case may be, I wanted to provide some tips & tricks to help you become an early morning riser, just like most of the uber successful people do!
REMEMBER: Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal!
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Go To Bed Earlier
I know this one is hard for a lot of people, cause gosh darn it everything seems to be happening when you’re off work and it’s night time! Or perhaps you need to stay up late to finish a project.
But here’s the thing – if you go to bed earlier, then you can wake up earlier! It’s that simple. And then you can follow those 10 Morning Habits and still have time to work on that project! (Eat that frog, remember?)
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Have A Consistent Sleep Schedule
When I was trying put the UP24 band, it had me on a consistent sleep schedule (would alert me to go to bed for whenever I needed to wake up the next morning) … And I felt amazing! It was kind of hard the first couple of days, and I’m sure my boyfriend wasn’t too thrilled that he lost 2 hours of the evening with me, but it really did me good to go to bed early and keep my schedule consistent.
The reason for this is your body THRIVES on routine. Ever get hungry at certain times of the day? You trained your body to expect it!
REMEMBER: You HAVE to be CONSISTENT! Consistency is key to any successful habit. That’s why it’s called a habit.
So to utilize this, you must go to bed & wake up at the same time EVERY DAY – including weekends. I know – it can be a struggle! But if you don’t keep a consistent sleep schedule, your body will not know when it should wake up, making getting up early that much more difficult.
Click Here to Learn More About Why You Need A Consistent Sleep Schedule
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Never Eat Before Bed
Sleep is the time for your body to rest, regenerate or repair, and recharge. If you’re digesting during this time, it interrupts your body’s ability to effectively provide the power it needs.It basically robs your body of the strength you’re supposed to be regaining.
It takes energy to digest food, which can also cause you to have difficulty falling asleep! And even if you do get the full recommended 8 hours (I believe 7-8 is ideal), you will still arise feeling drained.
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Reduce Your Caffeine Intake
Over 90% of what I drink on a daily basis is water, and anything I do drink almost never contains caffeine. So while this one isn’t an issue for me, I know a lot of people who this may pertain to.
The original article I was reading suggests not drinking any caffeine in the afternoon (and obviously not in the evening). The thing is (and I’ve seen this first hand with my boyfriend) is that when you start taking care of yourself (including getting up & going to bed early) you won’t need that caffeine anymore to help you through the day.
And if you need the occasional pick-me-up, then go for an energizing snack instead! Much healthier for you.
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Never Drink Before Bed
Although it may help you pass out, drinking alcohol before bed is NOT good for you – especially for your sleep! Not only does it dehydrate you (which can cause problems for the repair process) but it will increase your deep sleep cycle and rob you of the most important part – REM sleep! Doing so causes you to be tired when your alarm blares at you.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
=> While deep sleep promotes rest & restoration, the lengthening of this due to alcohol can worsen sleep apnea & sleepwalking
=> REM is the deepest sleep stage where most dreams occur, memories are stored, & learning occurs
=> 1 or 2 drinks can increase slow-wave sleep & not affect REM sleepClick Here to Learn More About The Affects Drinking Before Bed Has
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Have a Good Reason to Get Up Early
Always Start With Why! If you know WHY you’re getting up early (e.g.: better health, get in time to ___, etc), it will fuel you to do the things you don’t want to do (like go to bed early).
These can be reasons like getting tasks done or having something to look forward to. Be sure to include both kinds of reasons. Whatever it is, remember yesterday’s post.
Be sure to give yourself little rewards to keep you motivated – our bodies have a reward system that help keep you motivated, and if you aren’t rewarding yourself, you’re less likely to continue to do things you don’t want to do – even if it will get you where you want to be.
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Turn Your Reason Into a Challenge
If I’ve learned anything from Jane McGonigal it’s that games are imperative for us! They help us learn & overcome, can even help us work harder towards a goal …
Tell yourself that you won’t fall into a rut or break your routine! [Remember, 21 days to form a habit!] Tell yourself that you can and WILL get up early and that you’re capable of turning this into a habit.
And if you’re super competitive, try using Wake N Shake to earn achievements and play against your friends! Sadly, it appears this particular app is only for iPhone users … So if anyone knows of an Android one leave a comment, please!
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Start Working Out
Do it in the morning like in my last blog’s suggestion to feel energized and ready to conquer your day!
Do it in the afternoon or early evening …
Just do it!
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Make Sure Your Alarm Clock Is Out of Reach
This forces you to get out of bed. And if you have an urge to get back in it? FIGHT IT!
Too cold? FIGHT IT by doing some jumping jacks.
Stay strong, and stay out of bed. And apparently there are other apps you can use to help you get up and not press that snooze button … Like Morning Routine!
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Go To Bed Calm & Relaxed
Regardless of how tired you are, if you go to bed when you’re stress, tense or upset, it will only keep you awake longer.
If you have issues in this area, try meditation, yoga, or even some relaxing tea. Melatonin is also a good tool.
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Have An Exciting Breakfast Planned
When all else fails … But seriously! When you’re anticipating something delicious, don’t get excited?
And it doesn’t have to be complicated. It could be a shake, or simple eggs & bacon, some crunchy muesli … whatever it is, make it something that you’ll be more likely to get up and out of bed for!
I hope these tips were helpful in giving you ideas on how to be an early riser and that you’ll start implementing them. And if you need more, then click here!
Successful people have successful habits. They have teams of people helping them stay focused and on track.
If you’re looking for a team that will do the same for you, I wanted to give you some additional information about one of mine. See the “Wealth is a Team Building Sport” below. š
Excellent tips. I am an early riser…. I go to bed around 9:30 and get up between 4:30 – 5:30. I thought that was just old age….LOL
Nope! That’s just the negative social acceptance for people who don’t understand the benefits of going to bed & rising early and prefer to link responsibility with “being old” (which is just ridiculous).
OK super good hahha. I have alot that I have to do to get up earlier haha. I enjoyed these tips. I had no clue drinking or eating had those effects on your sleep..