For some people, getting up early and starting the day (or week) is easy and the fresh start is something to look forward to.  For others, getting up early and starting the day is traumatizing.  There many factors that can cause one to feel that way such as not being a morning person, always feeling tired or just not looking forward to the events of the day.  Whatever the case, staying in bed seems like a better idea.

For most adults however, staying in bed all day is not an option.  So what is the fix? Planning ahead and establishing a routine, especially if you have to get up before the crack of dawn, can make your process more tolerable and your day run more smoothly.  So the next time you have to get up super early, consider the following:

Set your alarm to your favorite song.  If a traditional blaring alarm is too aggressive and anxiety inducing first thing in the morning, try music. Choose a song that will hype you up and make you want to dance first thing in the morning.  And when that song no longer gets you excited, switch to another song.

Give yourself some time.  Make sure you give yourself a few minutes before jumping out of bed so you will have time to time to do things like meditate, pray or review your schedule.  Nothing is worse than waiting until the last minute to wake up then making a scatterbrained leap out of bed.  Not the best way to start your day.

Turn on all of the lights.  This has helped me tremendously when I have to get up before sunrise (especially in the winter).  Consider getting a timer to turn on the lights a few minutes before you have to get up so you don’t have to walk through a dark house to turn on lights.

Eat a delicious breakfast.  Take the time to have a wholesome breakfast before heading out.  Doing so helps you ease into your day, puts you in a good mood, helps your concentration and improves your memory.

Drink ice cold water.  Doing this will help you wake up instantly.

Buy some new underwear.  I can’t tell you how many times I have gone shopping for new underwear and couldn’t wait to wake up the next morning to shower and put them on.  What is it about new underwear that makes one feel powerful and ready to take on the world?

Get a morning exercise routine.  It might be stretching, yoga, or a HIIT workout which can take place in a physical gym or in your living room.  Wherever you choose to workout and whatever workout you choose to do, take a few minutes to do something to get your blood flowing, burn some calories and energize yourself.

Prep meals and outfits ahead of time.   Eliminate the morning frenzy around food and clothing by preparing ahead of time.  It might be the day before or a plan for the week but whatever the case do it ahead of time so you can focus your energy on other important things during your morning.

Be realistic about your time.  Nothing is worse than rushing to get things done.  Do you find that you are late often or that you are making it to your destination by the skin of your teeth?  Oftentimes we underestimate the amount of time it takes to get ready in the morning or for any event so make sure you are giving yourself enough time to get everything done.  For instance, just walking to the car, getting in, putting on your seat belt, turning on the car and rushing to get gas take up time that counts so plan accordingly.

Don’t get caught up.  In your cell phone or laptop that is.  Email and social media can rob you of precious time.  If you aren’t in an industry like customer support where you have to answer email right away, set up a time where you will check all of that stuff or at least wait until you are done with your morning routine to check in.

What are your best morning hacks to keep you on track for a productive day?

Loved this post?  Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox.
Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.