How to become a morning person

With the hype of all habits relating to self-care and productivity, there has been a major emphasis on being a 'morning person' and how it can set you up for success both mentally and physically.

While some people are definitely born 'morning people', others may find it a little more difficult to adjust to waking up early. It’s completely normal to be a 'night owl' too, however. So don't be hard on yourself for not being a morning person, or feel pressured to change what works for you.

This being said, if you find yourself struggling to wake up with the sun and feel it's affecting your everyday life, there are plenty of easy lifestyle changes you can make that might help.

What is a morning person?

A morning person is someone who wakes up early and starts their day feeling energised and refreshed. While many people find it difficult to become a morning person, there are several simple strategies you can use if you're keen to become an early-riser.

10 simple ways you can become a morning person

1. Get enough sleep every night

Set a regular sleep schedule and go to bed early each night. Getting adequate sleep is one of the most important factors in becoming a morning person, as it helps regulate your body's internal clock and makes it easier to wake up at the start of the day.

2. Don’t rush waking up

Establish a gentle wake-up routine that gradually gets you out of bed. Waking up abruptly can be jarring and make it harder to start your day on a positive note. Instead, try slowly getting out of bed and starting your day with some light stretching or other calming activities.

3. Get some sun

Get some sunlight first thing in the morning. Sunlight helps signal to your body that it's time to wake up, so going for a morning walk or spending some time outdoors can help get you out of bed more easily.

4. Start your day with an activity you enjoy 

Find a morning routine that works for you. Whether it's meditating, journaling, reading, or working on a hobby, find an activity that makes you excited to start your day and stick to it each morning.

5. Be committed, but realistic

Commit to your new routine, and be patient as you adjust to it. Becoming a morning person can take time, so make sure to give yourself space and flexibility as you transition into a new routine. With some dedication and perseverance, you can become a more productive and energised morning person in no time.

6. Listen to music or a podcast

Create a morning playlist or podcast to listen to as you get ready for the day. Music and podcasts have been shown to help people feel more awake and alert, so try creating a playlist or downloading an engaging podcast that you can listen to while getting ready each morning.

7. Develop a support group

Surround yourself with positive people who support your new habit. Having a supportive community can help make your new morning routine more enjoyable and sustainable in the long run. Whether it's chatting with a friend over coffee or attending a local meetup group, find ways to connect with others who share your passion for mornings.

8. Get held accountable

Find an accountability partner who will encourage you to stick to your new routine. Having someone to check in with can help you stay on track and motivated to stick to your new habit. Find a friend, family member, or coworker who is also interested in becoming a morning person, and make a pact to support each other through the transition.

9. Join a workout group

Join a morning exercise class or group to get your day started with some endorphins. Research has shown that exercise can help improve mood and energy levels, so starting your day with a workout may help you feel more alert and awake. If the thought of working out first thing in the morning sounds daunting, try finding an exercise class or group that meets at a time that works with your schedule.

10. Be patient

Remember that the benefits of becoming a morning person will be worth any initial discomfort or challenges you may face in the early days of your routine. By making mornings a priority and creating new habits to help you feel more energised, you can set yourself up for success both in the short and long term. With some patience and practice, anyone can become a morning person.

Can a night owl become a morning person?

Yes, a night owl can become a morning person with some effort and dedication. While it may be challenging at first, it's definitely possible to adjust your body's natural rhythms and wake up feeling refreshed and energised each morning. Follow the tips above to get started, and be patient as you transition into your new routine—before long, you'll be waking up early and feeling great each day.

Why can’t I become a morning person?

One of the main reasons that people struggle to become morning people is because they are simply not getting enough sleep. If you’re consistently getting less than seven hours of sleep each night, it can be difficult to wake up early and feel energised in the morning. Other potential barriers include a busy schedule, lack of motivation, or an inconsistent sleep schedule. There may be an underlying condition, such as restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea or even not managing your stress.

The bottom line

While some people are naturally morning people, others have to work a little bit harder to make mornings a priority. If you're struggling to become a morning person, don't worry—with some effort and dedication, you can make it happen. Follow the tips above to get started, and be patient as you adjust to your new routine. Soon enough, you'll be waking up early and feeling great each day.

IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING PERSISTENT DISRUPTIONS TO YOUR SLEEP, CONSULT WITH A PHARMACIST OR TRUSTED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS.

Any advice provided in this content is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, health or needs. The information in this post is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be exclusively relied on to diagnose or manage a medical condition. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice we give you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on our advice or purchasing any over-the-counter sleep product.