3 Tips to Unlock A Morning Routine That Actually Works For YOU
Does your morning consistently suck? Try these three tips for fighting back against snooze and become a morning warrior.
If you’re like me, you are a resident of the night.
Those precious hours between sundown and sunrise are peak productivity time for you. But then why is it that when you have to be productive during the day, you can’t seem to get anything done?
For a lot of people, myself included, the morning is when we’re supposed to be at our best. We’ve read the books. Heard the podcasts. Watched the Ted Talks.
We’re supposed to hit the ground running, get a ton done and start the day off on the right foot. But more often than not, we find ourselves struggling to even get out of bed, let alone accomplish anything.
So to fight back, we pick up the newest self-help book, read articles online and ask our friends for advice on creating a morning routine that actually works.
You may even (like me) try to join the 5 AM club, only to find yourself snoozing your alarm and hitting the snooze button more times than you’d like to admit.
But here’s the thing: there is no one-size-fits-all solution to creating a morning routine. What works for me might not work for you, and vice versa.
So instead of beating yourself up over not being able to stick to a rigid routine, try out these three tips and see what works for you:
1. Start small with your morning routine.
Here’s the deal — I have an all-or-nothing personality. And it’s my undoing.
If I’m going to become a morning master, then I tell myself that I HAVE to get up at 4:30 AM like the titans of industry. Never mind the fact that a 7:30 wake-up call is like death to me — 4:30 AM it is!
And you know what happens? I hit snooze — a lot. Because getting out of bed at that hour is just too darn hard.
So instead, I’ve learned to start small. I set my alarm for 6 AM and give myself a few extra minutes in bed to wake up. From there, I gradually work my way up to an earlier wake-up time.
The result? I’m actually able to get out of bed and start my day. And over time, small changes like this have helped me to create healthy habits that stick.
2. Find your “why for waking up.”
Stolen from the great Simon Sinek, getting up early requires you to “find your why.” In other words, what is your motivation for getting out of bed?
For me, it’s because I want to get a head start on my day and have some quiet time to myself before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. My sons often rise at 6:30, and once those two tornados are awake, it’s all bets off for any chance of calm and quiet.
So I get up early to enjoy that precious time before they’re up and about. And it’s my why that helps me push through on those mornings when I’d rather hit snooze and stay in bed.
What could it be for you? An incredible sunrise? (They happen every day, it’s wild.) Or perhaps that unhurried cup of joe?
Or maybe just an extra 10 minutes for porcelain throne Twitter time?
Whatever it is, find your why and let it be your motivation for getting out of bed.
3. Create a nighttime routine to prep for a glorious AM.
This is probably the most crucial tip on the list and one that I’m still working on perfecting.
Creating a nighttime routine helps set you up for success in the morning. And while there’s no magic formula for the perfect routine, there are a few key things that can help:
- disconnect from screens an hour before bedtime
- avoid caffeine after 2 pm (my nemesis)
- establish a regular sleep schedule
- wind down with a relaxation ritual (e.g., reading, journaling, taking a bath)
- actually go to bed, don’t just get in bed
Doing these things helps to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. And when you’re well-rested, it’s a lot easier to get out of bed in the morning.
The earlier you go to bed, and the better your sleep quality is, the easier you’ll find it to get up in the morning. So find a nighttime routine that works for you and stick to it as best you can.
Rise and Shine, Champ
Finding a successful morning routine is hard. It just is. Our world is designed for night owls, and those early-morning world-changers continue to beat us each and every time.
But by starting small, finding your motivation, and creating a nighttime routine, you can increase your chances of success.
Remember, morning routines aren’t one-size-fits-all — so experiment until you find what works for you. And don’t beat yourself up if you have a few (or a lot of) setbacks along the way.
We all have to start somewhere, so why not start today? Just remember, it’s not about being perfect — it’s about showing up and giving it your best shot. And that’s something we can all do.
What are your best tips for creating a successful morning routine? Share them in the comments below!
