How To Start Waking Up Early (...Or Not)
Whether you’ve been an early bird in the past or you’ve always struggled with waking up early…today you’ll learn how some unique tips on how to consistently wake up early!
I’m sharing my 4 unique steps to actually wake up earlier. Plus you’ll learn how to develop a DESIRE to wake up early.
Personally, I LOVE waking up early. Here's why:
I get quiet time alone first thing in the morning. I don’t have to talk to anyone! This time is all about me.
It’s a chance to fill my own cup first. I feel accomplished, proud, and centered having started my day with something intentional.
You might KNOW you aren't a morning person. If so, no need to feel guilty! Some people teach that having an early morning routine is absolutely essential, but I really believe you do not have to be an early riser to be a productive and intentional person.
We officially give you permission to give up the early morning routine if you hate it or it’s just not working for you in this season of life.
But here's the thing: you might just THINK you aren't a morning person. But maybe you need to test it out to be sure. Try some of the tips below WITHOUT GUILT OR SHAME OR SHOULDS.
It's an experiment! If it works, great! You just found a dedicated time of day for just you. If it doesn't work right now, that's completely fine too.
One more warning: If you have a baby under 1 year old who’s not sleeping well, IGNORE THIS POST and come back when your little one is sleeping through the night!
4 Steps To Actually Wake Up Earlier
Let's assume you are either convinced you want to get up early or you want to experiment with it and then decide. Here's my recommendation for how to actually do it:
Start by getting up for something you're excited about, not a "should."
This is useful because it separates the practice of waking up early with the activity that actually gets done. You're practicing the meta-skill of waking up early. Don’t try to develop that skill AND start working out at the same time. For now, just focus on developing the habit and desire for waking up early.
Get enough sleep by going to bed at the right time.
Adjust your evenings accordingly. You do have to give something up to make this work well! That may mean you skip some evening relaxation time so you can get enough sleep.
Set a stopwatch and time how long before you stop being tired and ornery about waking up early.
If you really struggle with those first moments after the alarm goes off, this is a great thing to try. Instead of beating yourself up for being grumpy when it’s time to get up, EXPECT to feel a little terrible each morning.
The benefit here is that you find out just how long you’ll feel bad. You might be surprised that you’re only tired for 2-3 minutes. Sometimes I tell myself that if I still feel this tired in 30 minutes I can go back to bed. I almost never actually need to.
Go to sleep thinking about what you're excited to do in the morning.
Remind yourself the moment you wake up what you're excited to do and then get to it!
What about the kids?
If you have little ones, getting up early can be quite a challenge. Somehow kids can just sense if you get up early and they might want to join you!
If your kids are older than a year, then it’s great to set up some boundaries and expectations.
I started this with my kids as soon as they were out of cribs. I used a little clock that lights up green when they can get up.
You can give them activities they can do while they wait. Older kids can be taught how to get their own breakfast or entertain themselves until you're “on duty.”
I like to say that you're not on duty until you say you are! With babies, you don't have as much control. But they can handle a bit of quiet crib time alone if they wake up too early as well.
See if you can set up some boundaries that work for you and your kids. If waking up early is important to you, we know that there’s a gentle and loving way that you can make it happen.
Give Yourself Grace
One last reminder: Have some grace for yourself!
I get up early 5-6 days a week. But if I'm sick or extra tired or had a big event the night before, I give myself permission to sleep in, knowing I will be back on track with my good habit the next day because I trust myself.
You can do this too! Be gentle with yourself and remember that good habits take time.
Kristin
Try this challenge!
Your challenge: If you want to try waking up early, follow these steps and make a plan for when to start. Go to bed on time or early, think about what you’re excited to wake up to do, and try it for a couple weeks.
Give it a real chance to stick before giving up on it! Also accept that some seasons of life work better for this than others. You’ve got this!
Laura + Kristin
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Listen to the content
Click below or on apple podcasts & choose episode 158
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Episode #159 How To Start Waking Up Early (...Or Not)
Ready to finally start waking up earlier? In this episode, Kristin shares her unique tips for waking up early.
Listen in to learn:
4 steps to follow to actually wake up earlier
How to develop a DESIRE to wake up early
How you can experiment with this habit without guilt, shame, or “shoulds”
How to stop feeling guilty if you DON’T want to wake up early
What to do if/when your kids interrupt your morning hours
