How to Wake Up at 5 AM

I am a morning person. EEK! Don't come for me! Ha! In all seriousness, I have always loved getting up early and getting my day started. The peacefulness and quietness puts me in the right frame of mind. I also prefer to leisurely start my day vs. rushing around and feeling behind the rest of the day. Now, I was not naturally someone who would wake up at 5:00 am. I was more of a 6:30 am sorta gal. I trained my body and mind to start waking up earlier, and get up 95% of my mornings by 5:00 am. It took little work, but it was worth it. I accomplish so much before the rest of the world even gets out of bed. Of course, getting up this early can be a challenge if you aren't used to it. However, with some adjustments to your habits and routines it is possible to gradually train yourself to wake up earlier. Here are some tips to help you become an early riser.

Adjust your wake up time slowly

If you are currently waking up much later, it's best to transition gradually. Start waking up 15-30 minutes before your usual wake up time. Over the course of several days, or a few weeks, continue to adjust your wake up time until you are waking up at 5 am. This will allow your body to adjust to your new schedule with out being too abrupt.

Set a Consistent Bedtime

It is essential to go to bed early, and at the same time every night, if you are wanting to wake up earlier. Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep. Calculate your ideal bedtime by subtracting the desired sleep duration from your desired wake-up time. For example, if you want to wake up at 5 am and need 7 hours of sleep, you should try to go to bed at 10 pm.

Establish Routines

Create a specific routine in the evening to help you relax. Make sure to stay off any electronic devices an hour before bed, and I do try to stay away from TV. Instead, incorporate calming activities like reading a book, drinking a cup of decaf hot tea, meditating, or taking a warm bath.

It's also important to set a consistent morning routine, as this will help regulate your body's internal clock. Try waking up at the same time everyday (yes, even weekends). Consistency is key when training your body to adjust to a new wake up time.

Avoid Stimulants and Heavy Meals

Try to avoid consuming caffeinated beverages, like coffee, soda, and energy drink several hours before you plan to go to bed. Personally, I won't have any caffeine past 2:00 pm. Having caffeine too late in the day can interrupt your sleep. It's also a good idea to close the kitchen an hour or two before bedtime. Enjoying a heavy meal before bed can cause discomfort and indigestion making it hard to fall or stay asleep.

Stay Motivated and Accountable

Remind yourself of the benefits of waking up early and set goals for your morning routine. Whether it's having time for exercise, meditation, reading, or pursuing personal projects, having a purpose for waking up early can make it easier to stick to your new schedule. You might want to consider joining a 5 AM Club to help keep you motivated. Having extra accountability can make a huge difference when it comes to achieving your goals.

Remember that everyone's sleep needs and patterns are different, so it's important to find what works best for you. Be patient with yourself during the adjustment period, and don't hesitate to make small tweaks to your routine until you find a schedule that suits your lifestyle and preferences.