How many people out there can honestly say they’re a morning person? The funny thing is we’ve all grown up around a morning person yet they just couldn’t rub off on us. I remember my dad used to come into my room at about 7am each day, he’d turn the light on and tell me how it was such a beautiful day. Let’s just take into consideration I was a teenager and high school was the last reason for me to get out of bed. So how can we motivate ourselves to become this chirpy character in the mornings?

1. Set Goals

Everyone has goals in life, whether it’s to buy a house, lose weight, pass an exam, get their diploma, gain a promotion. The list goes on and on. We will never accomplish these things without the journey, what will result in us losing weight? Getting up early in the morning and going for a run is a huge start. If we focus on the positive outcomes of getting up early we’re more likely to be in a good mood. Instead of thinking, “Damn I’ve gotta get up early and run” think, “Yes! I’m going to get up early and go for a run because I want to become more confident with my body” Set a goal that you’ll run 4 times a week. The more we achieve our goals, the easier it becomes to continue them.

2. Go to bed earlier

This seems fairly obvious, nobody will ever be a morning person if they go to sleep at 2AM and wake up at 7. The average adult needs around 8 hours sleep a night. Plan ahead and make sure you’re getting your nightly dosage. Rather than waking up tired (which can trigger anger) You’ll wake up refreshed and ready to start your day.

3. Plan a nutritious breakfast

I mean what motivates anyone more than food does? Duh – nothing. Hatch a plan the night before on what kind of nourishing breakfast you’re going to get up and make. Eggs, avocado, salmon. Whatever your taste buds desire. Not only will your tummy be happy, you’ll feel good about getting up and making it. Try to stick with the healthier ingredients to give you that extra boost of energy. Remember healthy food can still be delicious!

4. Get some daylight

Being out in the sun makes us happier – it’s just fact really. Getting up before you go to work in the morning and taking a stroll in the sun will lighten your mood, literally. Light helps to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter which helps to elevate your mood. The sun also gives us our dose of Vitamin D which promotes healthy cell and bone growth. So hey, next time the sun is pearling go enjoy it as early as you can. It’ll lift your mood up and it’s a bonus you’ll be getting exercise at the same time.

5. Take a shower

If you’re like myself and you have freezing cold winters, it can be tough leaving that snuggly bed. Have a towel ready the night before and run to the shower in the morning. The nice warm water will wake you up  and get you nice and toasty for the day. Showers also help us to feel refreshed, let’s start the day clean and ready!

6. Play some music

While you’re eating, getting dressed, showering. Whatever the task be sure to have a speaker handy. Play some happy beats while you get ready for the day ahead. Music naturally lifts our mood, it’s been said that when people begin singing to music that means they’re in a good mood. So if you catch yourself singing, it’s worked!

7. Drink some water

Oh how there is nothing worse than the dry mouth you wake up with each morning. The taste of last nights dinner shadowing the toothpaste you washed your teeth with the night before. You can’t expect to be thrilled with this taste each morning, though there are solutions. Keep a bottle of water next to your bed, if you wake up during the night take a big sip. When you wake up in the morning the first thing you should do is drink some water. The irritation of your dry mouth will no longer be a worry.

8. Organise the night before

One thing that I’ve found really beneficial is laying my clothes out the night before. I can’t really think of anything worse than being half asleep and sifting through my draws trying to find my work shirt. Lay them out in your room, that way they’re right there ready waiting for you in the morning. Decreasing the tasks we have to complete in the morning means less stress, and a happy you!

9. Make your bed

I cannot stress this enough, having a clean room reduces stress levels by a mile! Okay I understand sometimes we’re in a rush (get up earlier) but making your bed is so important. Even if you’re not a clean freak, having the last glimpse of your room be a clean one is oh so satisfying. It might just perk you up a bit, you never know until you try.

10. Have a coffee

Lucky last, coffee. Being careful not to overindulge, coffee actually has plenty of healthy benefits. Some being: helps muscle pain, improved memory and of course the not so scientific explanation – it wakes you up.

Give these tricks a go and let me know which one works best for you. Remember to give everything a try!