We've all been there — setting an early alarm with big dreams, only to hit snooze again and again. But building a habit of waking up early doesn't have to feel like a daily struggle.
With the right small changes, we can train our body and mind to enjoy mornings — yes, even if we're night owls.
Let's explore how we can wake up early without the pain.
Start by sleeping earlier — but gently
We can't talk about waking up early without talking about bedtime. It's tempting to push through late-night work, shows, or scrolling, but a smooth morning starts the night before.
Try this:
• Move bedtime earlier by just 10–15 minutes each night
• Avoid screens 30 minutes before sleeping
• Use soft lights and calming music or reading to wind down
By shifting bedtime slowly, we give our body a chance to adjust without the shock.
Make waking up feel rewarding
If getting up feels like punishment, we'll always want to stay in bed. But when mornings come with something we enjoy, they feel more inviting.
Here are a few ideas:
• Prepare your favorite breakfast the night before
• Play music you love as an alarm
• Open the curtains and let natural light in
• Start your day with something fun — a podcast, stretch, or a quiet walk
We're more likely to wake up for things we look forward to.
Stay consistent — even on weekends
It's tempting to "catch up" on sleep during weekends, but this throws off our body clock. We don't need to wake up at the exact same time every day, but keeping it within the same 1–1.5 hour window helps our rhythm stay steady.
Try setting your weekend alarm just a little later than weekdays — it still gives us some rest without breaking the habit.
Use gentle alarm strategies
Jolting loud alarms can make waking up feel stressful. If we want mornings to feel better, how we wake up matters.
Try these tips:
• Use a gradual light alarm that mimics sunrise
• Choose nature sounds or gentle music
• Place your phone/alarm clock away from your bed — this gets us up physically
• Don't check messages right away — take 5 quiet minutes for yourself first
These simple changes help us start the day calmly and clearly.
Make small changes, not sudden jumps
If we normally wake up at 9 a.m., setting a 5 a.m. alarm tomorrow will only make us miserable. Instead, shift your wake-up time little by little — 10–15 minutes earlier every 2–3 days.
This gives our body time to adapt, and we're much more likely to stick with it long term. The goal isn't to wake up early once — it's to build a lifestyle that works every day.
Don't skip wind-down routines
What we do before bed affects how well we sleep. To wake up easier, we need to sleep deeper. Build a relaxing evening routine that signals to your body: "It's time to rest."
Examples:
• Light stretching
• Journaling or gratitude lists
• No caffeine after dinner
• A regular sleep schedule
By doing the same calming things each night, we teach our body to settle down naturally.
Let's rise together
Lykkers, waking up early doesn't have to be painful. With tiny steps and a bit of patience, we can make mornings feel lighter, brighter, and even enjoyable.
Are you thinking of becoming an early bird? Which tip will you try first? Let's take it slow, stick with it, and celebrate the small wins together — one morning at a time!
