Get up earlier
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Introduction
There are many benefits to getting an earlier start to your day. Think of the things that can be accomplished early to pave the way for more fulfilling days. Some activities are practical like reading the paper or exercising. Some are more personal like enjoying the unique morning light.
Of course this isn't for everyone. There's nothing at all wrong with being a night owl. Some people revel in VAMPIRE time. No need to try to change all that. This list isn't for you.
If you want to get up early but need some help, try some of these tips.
1
Set a Goal
It seems most people I talk to would benefit most from 45 minutes to an hour and a half earlier. Think about what you want to accomplish with your new extra time.
2
Start Slow
Like a crash diet, trying to wake up too much earlier all at once is likely to only cause frustration, pain, and eventually abandonment of your goal. Instead, try to wake up just 15-30 minutes earlier. Once you get comfortable with this time, dial it back another notch until you get to your target time.
3
Make Good Use of Your Time
If you wake up earlier and simply spend more time doing what you normally do in the morning, you'll fall back into old patterns. You will rationalize that you could sleep longer and still accomplish your morning activities. You would be right.
That's why it's important to find a few new activities. Carve out 30 minutes to read the paper. Exercise. Cook a proper breakfast. Whatever you are into. You'll start to look forward to this activity(s) and it will make it easier to get up.
That's why it's important to find a few new activities. Carve out 30 minutes to read the paper. Exercise. Cook a proper breakfast. Whatever you are into. You'll start to look forward to this activity(s) and it will make it easier to get up.
4
Leave the Room
Make it a goal to get out of the room when the alarm goes off. A small goal but a good one. I find that's once I'm out the room, even if only to the toilet, I am much less prone to snoozing.
5
Not at Arms Length
This is an oldie but a goodie. If you are snooze button happy don't give yourself the option. Move the alarm away from the bed.
6
Don't Let the Bad Voice Win
You know the one. It is the voice of rationalization. "Oh I stayed up later last night so I need an extra 30 minutes." or "I'll make up for it tomorrow by getting up extra early." Block this voice. Don't even let it start. It is evil.
Get up and meet your goal. The rationalizations you make are almost never true!
Get up and meet your goal. The rationalizations you make are almost never true!
7
Embrace Bedtime
If you find yourself getting tired a little earlier, go with it. Its only natural that you might need to sleep a little earlier.
8
A Unique Opportunity
On November 4, you will have the once-a-year chance to get a helping hand. When you get this extra hour for daylight savings time, use at least 30-40 minutes to wake up earlier. If you really want to start getting up earlier, this is a MAJOR FREEBIE. Make it count. Make it habit.
These are great! No. 7 seems critical to me.
These are great! No. 7 seems critical to me.
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