Six tips to get out of bed earlier
Every morning I wake up precisely at five to six. I don't know why I even set an alarm, because I wake up anyway. For years I've been getting up day in and day out while the rest of the city turns over one more time, so that by the time the Netherlands finally gets on their bike, I've already had a productive morning.
Number one rule to make better use of your morning is not to snooze. No matter how nice it is to hit that snooze button a few more times, it's better not to. According to Hal Elrod, author of The Miracle Morning, every time you hit snooze, you are resisting your life and saying no to the day. Did you know that successful people do not snooze? Michelle Gass, CEO of Starbucks, has been getting up every morning at 4:30 AM to go for a run for fifteen years. Apple CEO Tim Cook is even answering emails on his laptop at 4:30 AM, and at the same time, Michelle Obama is squatting in a trendy gym in D.C. Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour is also up before six with a tennis racket in her hand.
People who wake up early are not only much more productive, but their creativity also increases. You are not yet overwhelmed with work emails, phone calls, or questions from colleagues. Additionally, you have more time to start your day in a calm and positive way, and especially without stress (where are the keys, shit, forgot lunch box, coffee on your shirt, everything) . Those who wake up early start the day with a victory and thus have a happier and more productive day. However, it is important in this story that you also get into bed on time and get enough hours of sleep. According to sleep expert and clinical psychologist Jana Maes, it is important to keep listening to your body. ‘Not everyone can practically or biologically go to bed early, and if you are a night person, the chance is small that you will feel fresh at five in the morning. You can try, but it remains a matter of listening to your body,’ she says to De Standaard.
For those who still need to learn, here are a few tips. The first ten times are hell, but hey, just believe me: in three weeks you'll be skipping to the shower at six o'clock.
1. Make your decision in the evening
‘In the morning, your brain is weak and you can make less use of your willpower. So make the decision to get up early before you go to sleep. No excuses. No excuses and yes, so no snoozing.
2. Imagine the perfect morning
Think ahead about what you would do if you had an extra hour. A run? A boot camp lesson? Or would you like to read the newspaper in detail instead of just scanning the headlines? Don't see waking up early as a punishment, but make sure it's worth it to start your day an hour earlier.
3. Organize your morning
If you've decided to exercise for an hour, lay out your workout clothes and also prepare your breakfast the night before. This way, you are well prepared, making the morning extra smooth.
4. Move your alarm clock
Nothing is more annoying than the sound of your alarm clock, you know it, I know it. It must be turned off as soon as possible. Force yourself to get out of bed by placing your alarm clock on the other side of the room. Do the same with your phone. We both know how wonderful it is to scroll through Instagram in bed before starting the day.
5. Leave your bedroom
Once you've thrown that alarm clock across the room, also walk out of your room and make coffee or turn on the news. Start your routine right away, otherwise, there's a good chance you'll dive back under those nice warm sheets.
6. Build the habit slowly
Don't immediately set that alarm for five o'clock, but build it up slowly. Those who drastically change their rhythm will quickly find the snooze button again. If you usually get up at 7:30 AM, you won't set the alarm for 5:00 AM from one day to the next. For example, set your alarm ten minutes earlier every day and go to bed ten minutes earlier every night.
And believe me: it gets easier. Really.
