Overcoming Morning Motivation Hurdles: A Guide to Getting up and Getting Going
Chris HardyWaking up and feeling a distinct lack of motivation is not uncommon. But by using some tried and tested strategies, you can transform those dreary unmotivated mornings into a more positive start to the day. While for some, morning inspirational and motivational quotes can help to get you moving, we decided that some more sustainable advice was in order.
Here are some effective tips to help you get up and out of bed even when motivation feels a million miles away:
1. Establish a consistent sleep routine:
A good morning with motivation is pretty dependant on the quality of sleep you’ve been able to achieve the night before. And so, it’s crucial to ensure that your bedtime routine sends the right signals to your body letting it know it's time to wind down. Whether your bedtime activities involve something like reading a book, practicing relaxation techniques, or taking a warm bath is totally up to you. But try to remember that consistency is key. You should try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Doing this helps to align your sleep schedule with your body's natural circadian rhythm.
It’s also worth being wary of your caffeine intake in the afternoon, and especially into the evening. Stimulants such as tea and coffee should be avoided for several hours before bed time as they can interfere with your ability to fall asleep. By establishing a consistent sleep routine, you'll train your body to expect rest at a certain time, making it easier to wake up feeling rejuvenated.
2. Create a comfortable sleep environment:
Transform your bedroom into a sleep haven. Keep your bedroom cool and well-ventilated and invest in blackout curtains – or a sleep mask! - to block out any intrusive light. A white noise machine or earplugs may be another wise investment for those where noise is a concern. And don’t forget about the importance of your mattress and pillows. They are key components in enhancing sleep quality, so invest in ones that provide the right levels of comfort and support for both your needs and your preferences.
Decluttering your bedroom is a great way to create a calming atmosphere that’s optimised for sleep. Then, all you’ll need to do is reserve it mostly just for sleep and relaxation.
To do this, you can minimise the number of electronic devices (ergo tablets, smartphones, TVs, etc). This helps to prevent any unnecessary distractions and keeps the dreaded blue light out of your bedroom too.
By creating a comfortable sleep environment, you’ll look forward to going to be at night which will help to encourage a restful sleep. Plus, you’ll get to wake up in a room that’s optimised for a more positive mindset too.
3. Set a purposeful alarm:
While waking up without an alarm may be the dream, most of us still need a nudge to start our day. We recommend choosing an alarm tone that aligns with your personal preferences too. If you're a music lover, you could set your alarm to a favourite song. And if Monday morning motivation is exactly what you need, choose an alarm with an uplifting message. Nature sounds are a great choice for most people too. Imagine waking up to the sound of birdsong – it'll feel like springtime all year round!
Another tip to help you get up and out of bed is to position your alarm across the room. This compels you to physically get out of bed to turn it off, helping you overcome the temptation to pull the covers back over your head and have just 5 more minutes.
You can try out a number of different alarm clock strategies until you find the one that wakes you up and does so in a way that encourages a positive mindset for the day ahead. Waking on a positive note is the best motivation to start your day off after all!
4. Plan exciting mornings:
Your mornings need to be something to look forward as this helps to motivate you up and out of bed. So, try to plan enjoyable activities. Prepping a delicious and nutritious breakfast the night before is a great idea for foodies. Imagine waking up with the anticipation of a tasty meal. Alternatively, plan a morning workout or a stroll around the park to get your blood flowing and boost your energy levels.
By working activities you truly enjoy into your morning routine, you’ll be better placed to build positive associations with waking up early. This will help to motivate your mornings and transform them from a chore into an opportunity.
5. Break down tasks:
That dreaded to-do list can be a bit demotivating at the best of times. However, one approach could be to break down your morning tasks into smaller, more achievable tasks. So, instead of being overwhelmed while considering your morning routine as a whole, try to focus on one task at a time. This approach should help make mornings more manageable while offering a sense of accomplishment with each and every task you complete. This, in turn, will boost your motivation and encourage you to move onto tackling the next item on your list.
For example’s purposes, if your motivational morning routine involves exercise, make the first task on your list getting changed into your workout gear. Once that's done, you can move onto the next step. Breaking down items on your to-do list in this way helps to build momentum and makes the entire morning routine much less overwhelming.
6. Create a morning ritual:
Establishing a morning ritual is also handy when you want to set a positive tone for the day. Whether it's gentle stretching, mindfulness meditation, or a few minutes of journaling, these little morning rituals can help to bring structure to the start of your day.
Didn’t like the first morning ritual you tried? Strike it off the list of contenders and move onto the next. You can continue to try out different rituals until you find the right fit for your needs, wants, and preferences. Keep it simple and achievable. This will help cement any morning ritual you introduce as a sustainable part of your everyday routine.
7. Visualise success:
Right before you drift off to sleep, try to envision a successful and fulfilling motivated morning. Picture yourself waking up full of enthusiasm, achieving your morning routine effortlessly, and smashing through those daily goals with ease. This should help to establish a productive tone for the next day while building a mental blueprint you can follow to ensure success.
In promoting a positive mindset before bed, you put yourself in a position where you’re more likely to wake up with that feeling of purpose and the motivation you need to achieve it.
8. Stay hydrated:
When you wake up, hydration should be the first thing on your mind. Having a small glass of water will kickstart your metabolism and give you a bit of an energy boost too. Keeping a glass of water on your bedside table is a great idea for some. That way, you’ll be able to make a habit of drinking it as soon as you open your eyes. Dehydration may be the cause of your morning fatigue. But by replenishing your body with water, you can reinvigorate it ready for the day ahead ( 1).
Not so fond of plain old water? Think about adding a slice of lemon to your water for an extra refreshing and flavoursome touch.
9. Limit screen time before bed:
Electronic devices are notorious for emitting blue light. And the downside to this is that it can interfere with your body's production of the sleep hormone melatonin. If you want to improve your sleep quality and make it easier to wake up in the mornings, making your bedroom a screen-free zone is a wise idea. And if not, try a screen detox for at least an hour before bedtime.
Take some time out of your day to enjoy calming, screen-free activities. Reading a physical book, practicing relaxation exercises, or enjoying a jigsaw puzzle are all great ways to send those signals to your body that it's time to start winding down.
Cutting back on screen time before bed will enhance the quality of your sleep. But it will also help you achieve a more peaceful, restful night too. This, in turn, makes waking up in the morning a more pleasant and achievable task.
10. Seek support:
Share your morning motivational goals (and struggles or setbacks) with a friend or family member. Choose someone who you trust to provide support and encouragement. When it comes to accountability, having someone cheering in your corner can be a powerful motivator. Share your wake-up goals with them and discuss your progress regularly. Knowing that someone else is aware of your intentions can help to make you more committed to rising early and sticking out that motivational morning routine you’ve designed for yourself.
Conclusion:
Overcoming that daily challenge of waking up in the morning lacking the motivation you desire isn'teasy, but it’s worth it. You need to find that winning combination of good habits and mindset shifts to make this journey a successful one.
Try to remember that transforming your mornings is a gradual process. Try out different strategies and activities, adapt them to your personal wants and needs, and don’t forget to celebrate each and everysmall victory along the way.
If you’re looking to find some new essential sleep accessories, why not pop into your local Bensons for Beds store. Alternatively, give our customer care team a call. Our experts are always on hand to offer help and advice on your bed buying journey. Plus, with our SleepPro technology, being matched to your ideal sleep solution is easy!
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