Do you always hit that snooze button?

Mornings in any household are usually frantic. Whether you are trying to hit the gym before work or trying to stay awake after a long night of breastfeeding. Yes, I’m talking to the new moms out there like myself. Motivating yourself to get out of bed for whatever reason can be stressful and sometimes downright painful. I actually don’t know many people who can happily say they are a “morning person.”

But there are benefits to getting up early… well, once you have physically gotten up and out of the bed… which I think is the hardest part.

As a new mom I learnt really quick that I had to transform myself into a morning person. Otherwise my entire day would suffer as well as the baby and sometimes the people around me too because of my being disorganised. So how can we transform ourselves into morning people? This is what has worked for me.

#1 Put yourself to bed

Like you do your baby, put yourself to bed too. Getting a good night’s sleep (between 7-9 hours) at a reasonable hour will help you in the morning. Don’t let Netflix suck you in, your fave TV show isn’t going anywhere and that goes for Instagram too. The artificial light will delay your sleep, so try to put all devices away at least an hour before bedtime. Easier said than done but try reading an actual book instead, it won’t delay your natural body clock to falling asleep.

#2 Always think ahead to tomorrow

In the morning there are a million things going on for the baby and if I don’t think about my day the night before I would end up in my dressing gown until 3pm. So whether it’s preparing what I’m wearing or the baby’s wearing, my schedule or my gym bag, even as little as filling up my drink bottle the night before this all helps my mornings be less stressful. Really prepping is the key. Just be prepared the best you can and you won’t dread waking up so much.

#3 Put your alarm clock out of reach

I’ve been doing this since I was in college. Never, ever under any circumstance put your arm clock in arms reach of your bed. If that snooze button is too close it’s convenient to keep hitting. So while you’re up turning off the alarm turn on a light or open the curtains too. Even if that means you will be blinded for a split second because you are half a sleep. Just do it!

#4 Have a little you time

I know, I know this sounds unrealistic! But taking a second for yourself so you can gather your thoughts will help. Trust me! Wake up with something to look forward to, may that be reading a devotional or saying a quick prayer. Setting your intentions for the day or just sitting up in bed and telling yourself that “You’ve got this” will give you a boost of energy.

#5 Eat breakfast

They say it’s the most important meal of the day. But less people are eating breakfast because it seems the whole world is intermittent fasting (more on IF another time). So if you are fasting, well then fill yourself up with JOY!

It’s not rocket science but if you’re trying to become a morning person these 5 points will help. Good luck.