Waking up is hard sometimes, I get it. But, if you constantly struggle to wake up in the morning (especially if you’re waking up at a “normal” time like 8 or 9). It could be negatively impacting the way you live. I used to hate waking up in the morning in high school. I was constantly tired, felt like I had nothing to look forward to, and starting my day off like that was ruining the rest of my day. So, I took matters into my own hands and forced myself to be a morning person.

Some of us are naturally chipper and ready to go in the morning, some of us would rather just lay in bed. I feel my fair share of both feelings depending on the day, but since I started proactively trying to be a morning person, I find myself feeling more like the former.

Training yourself to be a morning person is a thing, it’s essentially forming a new habit, and like with all habits, it takes discipline and time. Here’s how I taught myself to love the sun coming up and start my day the right way:

1. Get a good nights sleep.

You knew this was going to be one of my tips and I knew most of you would roll your eyes at this one. It’s the most simple piece of advice that I’ve heard my whole life. With how much it’s been repeated to me, you’d think it was a cure-all for any negativity you have in your life, but that’s because it pretty much is. Getting a good nights sleep is one of the best things in life, but I know that it is not always do-able for people who work late, are always on the go, or parents. That being said, having a healthy sleep schedule that works for you, will definitely make you feel better. Yeah, sleeping in on weekends is great, but if you form a good sleep schedule, you can have that I-woke-up-at-noon-and-I-feel-amazing feeling everyday!

2. Have something to look forward to.

Pick something that you’re going to do the next day every night before you go to bed, to look forward to in the morning. Having something that you know you’re going to be excited to wake up for will make you more willing to get out of bed. It can be something as simple as your morning coffee or listening to your favorite song on your commute to work/school.

3. Have a morning routine.

Waking up at the same time and having a morning routine will add stability and calmness to your life. No one likes to wake up and rush. I personally feel like my mornings set the tone for the day, I have the same morning routine which allows me to be productive and relax at the same time before I get going. This allows you to have me time everyday and not be stressed out for whatever else you have going on that day. If you need ideas my morning routine is: wake up, brush teeth and wash face, do the dishes, wipe down counters, clean up, make coffee and eat breakfast while watching youtube or tv, then doing my make up and getting ready to a podcast.

4. Take Vitamins.

This is such a normal thing for me that changes my day. I can’t imagine not taking my vitamins. I take multivitamin and a B-12 vitamin which gives me energy and makes me feel over all healthier. This may be placebo effect, but hey, if it works, it works. I strongly suggests this just as a way to be happier and healthier.

5. Text your friends and family good morning.

We all love hearing from our loved ones and hearing good morning right? It feels so good to wish someone a good day and remind them that you love them. I find when I do the first thing in the morning my heart feels lighter and I’m ready to take on the day.

Being a morning person isn’t for everyone, but it did help me get more out of life. I hope any of the tips work for you and I am wishing you the loveliest of mornings, always.