Getting out of bed, especially when you’re all snug and cozy, can be really difficult. This is especially the case on Mondays. Luckily for night owls, there are many unique ways to wake up earlier if you’ve tried everything else.
Becoming an early bird can improve your productivity and give you a few extra hours during your day. If traditional methods like setting multiple alarms or hitting the hay earlier just aren’t cutting it, then we have tips that could help you rise and shine! Here are 11 unique ways to wake up earlier that you may have never considered before.
1. Make a Vow With Others
You’ll be more likely to wake up early if others are holding you accountable. Recruit your partner to wake up at the same time if it works with your respective schedules.
You can also ask a friend to get up with you at the same time. Maybe you use that time to squeeze in a morning run, or you simply text a “You up?” to each other.
2. Use a Smart Bulb That Simulates Sunrise
Rather than pulling back the curtains, invest in a smart light bulb that can be programmed to slowly brighten your room in the morning. It mimics a natural sunrise, giving you a peaceful start to your day.
This gradual increase in light helps regulate your body’s internal clock. Simply changing your light bulb can make waking up early feel more natural.
3. Place Your Alarm in an Inconvenient Place
There are many unique ways to wake up earlier, but putting your alarm across the room is one of the most common. Take it even further by putting your alarm in a place that’s hard to reach or slightly inconvenient, like under a dresser or hidden in clothes inside your closet.
When you’re already on your feet, you’ll be surprised by how much easier it is to stay awake and get moving. Plus, you’ll be less tempted to hit the snooze since you won’t want to get up again.
4. Plan a Reward
According to Weber State University, the promise of an award is an essential way to cultivate a new habit. Reward yourself for getting up consistently early for one week with a manicure, a delicious smoothie, or new coffee grounds you can brew next week.
Not all rewards have to be monetary. The reward can be as simple as treating yourself to 10 minutes of reading time while drinking your coffee, or taking a bath instead of a shower since you have the extra time.
5. Sleep in Your Workout Clothes
If you plan to exercise in the morning, go to bed in your workout clothes. It’s also a good idea to pack your gym bag the night before, making sure your phone is charged and your headphones are ready to go!
This is a good habit since exercising in the morning is linked to faster metabolism, better sleep, and better choices throughout the day. The more you prepare for the workout the night before, the easier it will be to wake up and get going.
6. Be Selfish and Indulgent
It may sound negative, but using the morning as a time for yourself is an effective way to get going. Save the mornings “me” time to indulge in activities you truly enjoy like reading, watching a certain TV show, or knitting.
If the first thing you do each day feels like a treat, you might find it easier to wake up early. Give yourself a break and let the mornings be time for relaxation and personal pleasure.
7. Use a Coffee Maker with a Timer
An estimated 66% of Americans drink coffee every day. If you find yourself in that group, you can wake up earlier by setting your coffee maker to start brewing a few minutes earlier than normal.
The smell of coffee can entice you to leave the comfort of your bed and get the day started. Your kitchen will seem more welcoming than the cozy nest of your comforter, making you want to pour a mug as soon as possible.
8. Make Commitments You Can’t Change
If you can, schedule commitments like gym classes, personal training sessions, or business meetings earlier than normal. Having a scheduled appointment holds you accountable, making you rise and shine so you aren’t late or a no-show.
It’s always the hardest to actually put your feet on the ground in the morning. By having a scheduled commitment, you’ll have a reason to get up and get moving.
9. Adopt a Pet
Are you ready to get up earlier while also welcoming a new friend into your home? Adopt a dog or cat. Knowing your furry friend needs you for their breakfast can be a strong motivator to get out of bed. Plus, you’ll be happy to avoid any unwelcome messes on the floor!
10. Change Your Alarm to Something Pleasant
Our minds can be shaped to make associations with certain triggers. Waking up earlier can be as easy as changing your alarm to a song or noise that you associate with a specific action.
For instance, if your alarm song is a Taylor Swift banger, maybe you’ll want to get up and start dancing. You could also use a calming ocean sound. It’s a less jarring way to wake up than the annoying beeping of traditional alarm sounds.
11. Invest in a Bed Shaker Alarm
Maybe being soothed into the early hours isn’t for you. For those who struggle with hearing or are deep sleepers, a bed shaker alarm can be just as effective.
This device vibrates strongly enough to shake you awake, offering an alternative sensory experience to sound. It may seem extreme, but it’s a surprisingly satisfying solution for people who need an extra push in the mornings.
Good Morning
Rewire your brain to believe that the mornings aren’t a dreadful time of the day. By trying any of these unique ways to wake up earlier, you may just appreciate the early hours as a beautiful start. Maybe you’ll even catch the sunrise!
Give any of these tips a try, or combine a few together if you’re really motivated to get out of bed. With a few tweaks to your routine, you could become the early bird you’ve always wanted to be!
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Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.