Starting the early riser habit - any tips?

[JoepBlox]

Hey everyone,

I'm planning on starting the famous early riser habit. Since this is a new habit it's good to prepare by placing the supporting structures. For now it's just going to be a 30-day trial. Who has successfully transitioned to the early riser habit? Any tips on steps one can take before starting out?

Details:

1. Getting up at 5:00 AM
2. Want to use only one alarm with a simple beep
3. Living together with a snoozing roommate who would also like to implement the habit
4. Have done several unsuccessfull trials before
5. Am my own boss, so absolutely free in planning my time
6. Starting out about one week from now

I'm especially interested in advice from people who have successfully gone through the transition before. Hopefully this tread will become a handy guide full of good advice for other people who want to try it.

Love,
JB

[russianrocket]

How to Become an Early Riser
How to Become an Early Riser – Part II

[noitcefrep]

For me, it's simply going to bed at a decent time (no less than 6 hours of sleep), and also giving myself no extra time in the morning before I have to leave for the day. I found that if I padded the times necessary to do certain tasks in the morning, I would be knowledgeable of this time and would always end up telling myself "you've got 15 extra minutes, you can just lie in bed for a few more" - and then I end up falling asleep and waking up farrr too late.

Also, I can't STAND normal beeping alarm clocks. The noise makes me go crazy. I wake up to my stereo playing music, with escalating volume. I know when I wake up I only have x-amount of time before the stereo is so loud I'm waking everyone in the house. So I HAVE to get out of bed to turn it off.

I also love the mornings, particularly early winter mornings where you can see your breath, the crunch of snow under your feet is about the only audible sound because everyone else is still sleeping, and everything just seems fresh. Find the beauty in early mornings. Then why wouldn't you WANT to wake up early?

[Fredrik]

I became conscious about the importance of having a good sleeping pattern two years ago. I've never looked back. When it comes to early rising, I usually vary the time according to my activities.

A number of tips based on my experience:

1. Sleep well and long enough, otherwise you will eventually fail to overcome the tiredness in the morning. Sleeping well means blocking out external noise, keeping the room dark and at the proper temperature, and be in a comfortable position while sleeping. When it comes to length of sleep, you probably will be able to know how many hours you need. I assume it tends to be between 7 and 8 hours.

2. Maintain your rhythm. That means you should use light in the morning to wake up and darkness in the evening to get tired. In addition be sure to get up at exactly the same time every morning. When it comes to going to bed, you will automatically adjust, but try to keep that time consitent as well, since your body will eventually know when to sleep.

3. Be sure to have a good diet and exercise. Your latest meal shouldn't be too heavy and should be at least 2-3 hours before you go to bed. When to exercise is up to you, but should be done way ahead of bed time to make sure your body will calm down in time.

4. Relax before bedtime. Don't partake in activities that require much mental or physical energy.

5. Regulate your body temperature. If you take a shower or a bath a while before bed the temperature will first go up and then go down, and that tends to leave you tired.

Good luck as an early riser!

[AlmostGodess]

Join us in this thread: Getting up at 5am/exams-30 days

[Greek Dog]

Almost Goddess has a great idea.

I am just now getting up early. 5:30 -6:00am. Quite a transition from 7:00 - 7:30am. I am able to do it because I am doing it with a friend and she and I hold each other accountable.

[JoepBlox]

Thanx for the advice people!
And AlmostGodess, I will join you guys as soon as I start.


Ok, so I often hear of people that they start the day with coffee before anything else. A little caffeïn to get the brain started. Earl Nightengale even suggested starting with a blank piece of paper and brainstorming some important things while drinking coffee.

Thing is.. I hate the taste of coffee. Tea also doesn't really exite me.

How do you guys start your day?

[AlmostGodess]

Originally Posted by JoepBlox

Thanx for the advice people!
And AlmostGodess, I will join you guys as soon as I start.


Ok, so I often hear of people that they start the day with coffee before anything else. A little caffeïn to get the brain started. Earl Nightengale even suggested starting with a blank piece of paper and brainstorming some important things while drinking coffee.

Thing is.. I hate the taste of coffee. Tea also doesn't really exite me.

How do you guys start your day?

Hi there! I don't like coffee that much. I drink it when I need to keep myself up, but I regret doing so afterward because my stomach hurts. I like tea though There are so many different teas out there, I am sure you will find one that you like.

In the summer, during week days, my mornings are quite harsh. I prepare my tea, have a shower, eat some breakfast and go to office. Once at office, I work for a few hours on my dissertation. Than I do my normal work

During week-ends or days off, I enjoy having a morning routine. I do some exercises, meditate, do my nails, put cream, stare through the window, enjoy this forum.

Try doing things you want to do in the morning. Once you start, you'll discover and create your own morning routine

[Ripcoil]

I try not to drink coffee, so to get my brain started I read a little book or make a Sudoku or 2, it's a good way to get the brain prepared for a new day.

I'm gonna implement the early riser thing myself as well soon, I'm starting in school again here on thursday so it's better to be prepared, but I highly doubt it's gonna be hard for me. I am a b-person but I don't feel it's hard to switch that, the only thing that's gonna be tough is making sure I'm getting to bed when I'm tired. xD

[JoepBlox]

Thanx for all the tips!!