Rising Early: How to become a morning person and love it

 

Waking up at dawn has never been my favorite thing to do.

For years, my day started sluggishly, groggily hitting the snooze button in a futile attempt to grasp a few more minutes of elusive sleep.

Mornings were rushed, chaotic, and a far cry from the serene, productive beginning that so many early risers touted. As a self-proclaimed night owl, I believed productivity thrived under the cloak of night, dismissing the sunrise as an inconvenience.

However, fate had other plans, leading me on a transformative journey toward embracing the early morning hours. I got so fed up of getting to the office late, all sweaty and dusty because I didn’t have enough time to prepare in the morning, not to mention the chaos of public transport all in the name of getting a few more minutes of sleep. I wanted that to change so badly, so I knew I had to make some dire changes to my regular routine. Uncomfortable but necessary and effective.

My reluctance to greet the day at sunrise was deeply ingrained, yet, as I delved into the world of morning routines, guided by advice from friends who radiated an unexplainable zest for the early hours, I began to question my preconceived notions. Perhaps, buried beneath my night owl tendencies, lay the potential to relish the splendor of dawn.

The transition was not instantaneous, of course; it was a gradual metamorphosis that required patience and persistence. Mornings became an opportunity rather than an obligation. Waking up earlier allowed me to reclaim a precious slice of time, a tranquil haven before the world stirred awake. The quietude of dawn unveiled a canvas for self-reflection, setting the tone for a day imbued with purpose. My mornings were no longer hurried; they were deliberate, brimming with intentionality that infused each task with a sense of mindfulness.

Do you often find yourself hitting the snooze button repeatedly, dreading the crack of dawn? Mornings don’t have to be synonymous with grogginess and reluctance. Here are a few tips (courtesy of a few friends) you can apply to help you become a morning person.

Rewire your internal clock
This is the first and hardest bit if you ask me, but the most important. Resetting your body clock begins with consistency. Set a bedtime routine and stick to it. Allow your body the adequate rest it needs, aiming for a minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep. Gradually adjust your wake-up time earlier by 15 minutes each day until you reach your desired rise-and-shine moment.

Prepare the night before
Ease your morning routine by preparing the night before. Lay out your clothes, organize your workspace, and jot down your priorities for the day. This small investment of time saves valuable minutes and sets a positive tone for the day ahead.

Embrace morning rituals
Start your day with rituals that energize and inspire you. I personally start with a prayer. But whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga session, meditation, or enjoying a cup of coffee while watching the sunrise, find activities that bring you joy and motivation.

Fuel your body and mind
Nourish yourself with a nutritious breakfast to kickstart your metabolism and provide sustained energy throughout the day. Couple this with some light exercise or stretching to invigorate your body and mind.

Focus on productivity
The early hours offer a serene environment ideal for uninterrupted focus. Prioritize tasks that demand your concentration and creativity. By tackling important projects during this quiet time, you set the tone for a productive day.

Embrace flexibility
Life can be unpredictable. Allow yourself the flexibility to adapt your routine when necessary. If you have a late night, adjust your wake-up time accordingly. The goal is consistency, not rigidity.

Celebrate small wins
Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Whether it’s completing a workout or finishing a chapter of a book, these victories reinforce the positive impact of rising early.

Set intentions for the day
Take a moment each morning to set intentions for the day. Visualize your goals and affirm your commitment to achieving them. This practice provides clarity and direction, guiding your actions throughout the day

By Josephine Njoroge