They say early to bed and early to rise! Waking early can be quite a task. The option to sleep in, more often than not, seems more appealing. However, getting an earlier start to your day has proven to have some excellent health benefits and you are able to accomplish even more on that particular day.  

Do you have difficulties waking early in the morning? Waking early takes dedication but it is not impossible. There are a few strategies one can take to get in the habit on being an early riser. 

1. Keep your alarm clock across the room 

Keeping your alarm clock within your reach is not the best idea, as it is easy to hit snooze or dismiss and continue in your slumber. Having the alarm clock far enough from you, will force you to get out of bed to silence it. Then, you will be up and possibly fully awake. 

2. Set an earlier bed time 

Early to bed early to rise! If you sleep at an earlier time, chances are you will wake at an earlier time. If your aim is to wake at 5 am but you go to sleep at 1 am, the chances of achieving are less likely. However, if you go to sleep at 9 pm, it is highly likely you will be able to wake by 5 am, providing that you are well rested. On average, the body needs at least eight hours of sleep. 

3. Have a strong why 

A reason to wake up in the morning can generally help you to get to a place where you feel motivated to get up in the mornings. Write a list of things you would like to accomplish and the time frame in which you would like to accomplish them. Coming up with good ways to spend your mornings gives you something to look forward to, which leads to a greater chance of you actually waking up. 

4. Start Slowly 

Becoming a morning person can’t be achieved overnight. It is a gradual process that the body must become accustomed to. This goal must be taken in stages. Instead of trying to wake an entire hour before you usually do, try waking up at least 15 minutes prior to your regular time and gradually move from there.  

5. Challenge Yourself for 21 Days 

Making something a habit typically takes 21 days. Waking up early for 3 – 5 days may be easy but being consistent is the challenging part. To get your mind and body into the groove of waking early, push yourself for three weeks until waking up early becomes second nature.