Is training yourself to wake up earlier worth it — or even possible?

Waking up early can have tremendous benefits for your physical health, mental well-being, and productivity. In fact, according to a study conducted by the University of Oxford, people who wake up early tend to be more successful and productive than those who sleep in.

Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels | on days when it’s hard to find the motivation needed, having an inspiring goal to get up earlier can help motivate you

So here's how you can train yourself to wake up early.

1. Realistic Goals

The first step to training yourself to become an early riser is setting realistic goals. Instead of aiming to wake up at 5 am every day, start by gradually increasing your wake-up time incrementally from whatever time you usually get up. Setting micro goals like this will make it easier for you to achieve your desired goal of getting up earlier.

2. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is also essential if you want to successfully train yourself to wake up earlier. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7–9 hours of sleep per night for adults between the ages of 18–64 years old. Getting adequate rest ensures that when you do wake up early, you’ll be alert and energized—and ready to tackle the day!

Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels | getting proper sleep is important if you want to be successful in training yourself to wake up early

3. Stick to a Schedule

Sticking with a regular schedule is key when training yourself to become an early riser. Developing a consistent routine helps set your body's natural clock and makes it easier for you to get out of bed each morning feeling refreshed and energized. Try going to bed and waking up around the same time each day — even on weekends — so that your body gets used to its new morning schedule.

4. Light Physical Activity

Engaging in light physical activity in the morning can also help you feel more awake and alert after waking up early. Exercise encourages endorphin release which helps improve energy levels throughout the day as well as reduce stress levels. Taking a walk or doing some stretching after waking can help kick-start both your physical and mental energy levels for the day ahead.

pixabay/Pexels | to be more awake and alert in the morning, engage in a bit of physical exercise

5. Make a Goal

Finally, having an inspiring reason or goal for getting up earlier can help motivate you on days when it’s hard to find the motivation needed to make it out of bed in time. Remind yourself why getting out of bed earlier is important by writing down simple reminders such as “today I’ll have more free time” or “I'll be able to get my daily tasks done before lunch” on post-it notes around your bedroom—refreshing these reminders each morning will help keep inspired throughout your journey towards becoming an early riser!

In conclusion, while training oneself to become an early riser may seem daunting at first, following a few simple steps such as setting realistic goals, getting enough sleep each night, developing a consistent routine, engaging in light physical activity each morning, and having inspirational reasons or goals for rising early—the rewards are plentiful! With dedication and persistence anyone can become an early riser—so don’t hesitate to seize the opportunity today!