I used to think mornings were strict. Punishing, even. I’d set my alarm every morning only to snooze it five, six, sometimes seven times until it was ridiculously late. Some people enjoyed waking up early. Hell, they bragged about it.
They spoke of how serene it was and how much they could get done before anyone else stirred. How uplifting the rest of their day felt once they started it with productivity and purpose.
I wanted in. But mornings and I didn’t mix. I was a night owl through and through. My energy didn’t surface until the sun went down, and by the time I rolled into bed, it was too late to rise feeling rejuvenated.
What I came to realize years later was mornings didn’t have to be punishing. I didn’t have to hate my alarm clock. It took time, but slowly those early wake-ups stopped feeling so foreign. Sweet, even.
I understood why others cherished them:
- The quiet
- The space to think
- That lead they took before the day took off running.
Making the change to become a morning person meant training your body to accept the early mornings just as much as your mind does. It won’t happen overnight, and it isn’t magic. Some people aren’t born morning people, and you aren’t magically going to become one either. But you can learn to enjoy rising with the sun. Here’s how.
HOW TO BECOME A MORNING PERSON
1. Give Your Body Weeks to Adjust Your Sleep Schedule
When training to become a morning person, don’t drop your bedtime like you do New Year’s resolutions. Start by shifting your bedtime and wake-up time by 15–30 minutes earlier than normal, and work your way from there.
Your body has a natural circadian rhythm that can take time to adapt to when you tweak your sleep schedule. According to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, maintaining a consistent sleep and wake schedule can help balance energy levels and mood.
Adjust your bedtime and wake-up time slowly, and your body will thank you by not feeling like total garbage.
Read Also: 15 Morning Routine Ideas for Women
2. Establish a Bedtime Routine That Conditions Your Mind for Sleep
Start the process of unwinding each night by doing easy things that condition your mind to want to sleep. Take a warm bath, lower the lights, read a book. Turn off your screens at least one hour before bed to avoid blue light suppressing your sleep hormones, a concern often discussed in Harvard Health.
The simpler and darker you keep your nights, the more energized your mornings will be.
3. Wake Up With Morning Light
Your body’s natural sunlight is a cue for your brain to become more alert. Try to wake up with as much natural light as possible by opening your blinds as soon as you wake up, or stepping outside for a few minutes.
If that’s not an option, try investing in a sunrise alarm clock that simulates natural morning light. Exposure to sunlight in the morning can help improve mood and alertness throughout your day.
Read Also: 9 Ways to Invest in Yourself for a Better Life in 2026
4. Avoid Stimulants Before Bed
If you drink coffee late in the day, that cup of joe could be the reason you can’t fall asleep at night. Caffeine, nicotine, and heavy meals overloaded with sugar can make it difficult for your body to wind down at night.
Avoid caffeine or other stimulants for at least six hours before bed so your body can fully unwind at night.
5. Have Something to Look Forward To
Your bed is comfy, and sometimes there’s just no reason to leave it in the morning. If you build something exciting or rewarding into your morning, you’ll have something to look forward to every day.
Take a walk around your neighborhood, plan a nice breakfast you can enjoy, or read for 30 minutes before starting your day. When you have positive momentum to gain, getting up will become a habit.
Read Also: How to Consistently Wake up Early Every Morning
6. Place Your Alarm Clock Across the Room
Out of arm’s reach. Far enough that you have to get up when it goes off. This way, you’re forcing yourself to end the cycle of hitting snooze, half asleep, for an hour straight. Getting out of bed becomes part of your morning routine.
7. Don’t Start Your Day Rushed
There’s nothing worse than rushing in the morning. If you’re constantly running late, you’ll start to dread those early mornings. Try waking up fifteen minutes earlier each morning and spend that time drinking some water, stretching, or sitting quietly with your thoughts.
If your mornings are slow and relaxing, you’ll want to wake up earlier each day.
8. Don’t Wait Until You’re Extensively Tired to Go to Bed
Sleepiness is your body’s way of telling you it’s time to sleep. You’re much more likely to lay in bed staring at the ceiling if you wait until you’re exhausted to go to bed. Go to bed when you start to feel sleepy.
It’ll help you fall asleep faster and keep you from overthinking.
9. Don’t Sleep In on the Weekends
Your body has no clue what day of the week it is. That extra three hours of sleep you give yourself on Saturday and Sunday will only disrupt your body clock. Try waking up around the same time every day, even on the weekends.
The closer your body stays to its normal schedule, the easier it will be to wake up feeling motivated every morning.
10. Listen to Your Body
Just because you want to be a morning person doesn’t mean you should silence your body’s needs. If you’re constantly tired throughout the day, you might not be giving yourself enough sleep each night.
The CDC states that adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night. If you’re sleeping enough, but still constantly tired, you may want to speak with a doctor.
Conclusion
Life isn’t about punishment. You don’t need to chop and dry your morning routine until it’s boring to be a morning person. Develop morning routines you look forward to.
Soon, you’ll welcome mornings with open arms. Rather than fearing that first alarm clock of the day, you’ll be excited to see what the morning has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a morning person?
It won’t happen overnight. Give your body weeks to adjust your sleep schedule, and shift your bedtime and wake-up time by 15–30 minutes at a time.
What if I keep hitting snooze without thinking?
Place your alarm clock across the room, out of arm’s reach, so you have to get up when it goes off.
Should I sleep in on weekends to catch up?
Your body has no clue what day of the week it is. Sleeping in on weekends can disrupt your body clock, so try waking up around the same time every day.
What if I’m sleeping enough but still tired?
If you’re sleeping enough, but still constantly tired throughout the day, you may want to speak with a doctor.
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