Is your goal to be a regular at the 6am PPHY classes? Or perhaps you want to wake up early so that you can get some extra time for productivity into your day? Whatever the reason, waking up early has it’s benefits for both your physical and mental health… but that isn’t always enough to stop us hitting the snooze button! Waking up early can be a bit painful, but once it becomes a habit, it happens naturally!
Mike:
“Suz and I ALWAYS wake up really early. We like to get our admin out of the way before the day starts and we love a morning workout!”
We woldn’t be able to live the busy lives that we do if we weren’t early risers, and we encourage everyone to make it a part of their routine. Here are 10 tips to help you through the transition period.
1. Position your alarm
Put your alarm somewhere out of reach, preferably near a window. This way, you have to get up to turn it off and if there is light, your body is less inclined to think it is time for sleep.
2. Get enough sleep
Waking up early means going to bed early! How much sleep we need depends on the person, but you should feel well rested throughout the day, no matter how early you wake up.
3. Keep it simple
If the thought of doing something strenuous like going for a run out in the cold is enough to keep you under your covers, change the intention. Wake up early to answer emails, do something creative, read or even do some yoga. If you know that you don’t have to do anything too hard, you’re less likely to sleep in.
4. Leave the bedroom
Leave your place of sleep as soon as you get out of bed (going to the toilet can be a good way to tell your body it is wake up time!)
5. Screen saver
If you use your phone as an alarm (as many of us do) set the screen saver to an image or quote that inspires you. Everything counts at that time in the morning!
6. Breakfast
Make a habit of creating delicious breakfasts for yourself. This will give you something to rise for as well as a nutritious start to the day!
7. Have ‘you’ time
Make early mornings special by spending time with just yourself. Go check out the sunrise or catch up on a hobby. Make the time something you will miss if you sleep in!
8. Commitment
Choose a time that you would like to wake up and stick to it for a set amount of time (3 weeks is good for changing a habit). Waking up early needs to be a part of your sleep cycle and it does take some time to make this work.
9. Have a morning yoga sequence
Whether you come to class or you just practice at home, yoga is simply the BEST way to start the day and wake you up (in our opinion!)
10. Meditate
Meditation is a great way to set an intention or focus for the day ahead. Even if it is just 15 minutes, meditation will clear your mind and give you something to look forward to each morning. Just be careful you don’t fall back asleep! 😉
Give it time and consistency and we promise this will help you to build a more successful life! Want to take control of your own working and lifestyle hours? We can help to redesign your life! Become part of the PPHY team 🙂
Mike & Suz