In the previous post, we explored two tips on waking up early for the super working mum. In this page, we continue with outlining the other eight tips.
The Night Before
For example, my outline* is something like this:3) Plan your morning ahead– Map out how long each of your activity will take
- 5:30 a.m: Get out of bed
- 5:35a.m to 5:45a.m: Quiet time- read my bible and pray. (I drive to work so I do my worship in the car)
- 5:45a.m to 6:30a.m: Write and plan the rest of my day
- 6:30a.m to 7a.m: Work out
- 7a.m: Get ready for work (day starts with family)
*This outline will evolve depending on my circumstances.
I suggest you write out your plan. Now mentally tell yourself before you go to bed – “I will wake up at 5:30 and get out of bed”. This will help you prepare your mind to be alert. Once your mind is on board, your body will follow suit.
4) Sleep early! It is only logically that if you want to wake up early you must sleep early. Like they say “early to bed, early to rise”. It is recommended that an adult should have 6 to 7 hours of sleep so work backwards and go to bed depending on the time you need to start your day.
The good news is that by the time you start waking up early, your internal clock will adjust and you find that you are going to bed earlier than before.
5) Utilise the night before– Get everything you need for the next morning ready the night before. This means as soon as you wake up you are not wasting time looking for your materials. You are equipped to start your day right!
Also decide what clothes and shoes you will wear the night before.
6) Eat a light meal for dinner– Having a light meal in the evening helps you sleep better at night and it will be easier for you to get out of bed early.
In the Morning
7) Literally get out of bed– yes once your alarm goes off, open your eyes and sit up. Make sure you don’t close your eyes and then get out of bed. Don’t get back into bed. I had to write that again for emphasis because you WILL be tempted to get back into bed for a few seconds. Don’t give in!
Gather your materials and then walk out of the room. Drink some water. Amongst other benefits, drinking water helps you stay hydrated and boosts your metabolism. Once you walk out of your room, you are home free. This is the hardest step.
8) Find a quiet spot in the house…preferably not in your bedroom. I choose the dining room to have my quiet time and do my writing. Use this time to do whatever it is you outlined in your plan.
9) Exercise– if you do a work out dvd, like me get it done. If you jog or run outside, get going. If you currently do not exercise, consider starting. Exercising is beneficial in so many ways. It energises you and keeps you fit.
10) Get support– Some people are natural early birds. I have a friend who wakes up at 5a.m unfailing every day. You can get the support of someone who is an early bird, to check up on you from time to time.
Alternatively if you have a friend who also wants to start waking up early, you can encourage each other and be accountable towards each other. May be you could even take turns in waking each other up!
You Can Do It Too!
I have shared how I achieved waking up early and I know you can do it too. Set your own pace, find and do what works for you based on your circumstances. Whatever the case, remember the goal is to GET OUT OF BED EARLY.
Sometimes you’ll slip, maybe due to illness or circumstances beyond your control, don’t beat yourself up about it. Just make sure you don’t go back to your old habits as soon as you are able to.
Take it one day at a time.
This doesn’t mean you can’t indulge yourself once in a while with sleeping in. However once you start this new journey, it would be more of a treat and no longer the norm for you.
I still love sleep but my desire to accomplish my goals and become a super working mum has now surpassed my desire to sleep. This is what gets me up at 5.30a.m in the morning.
Are your desires in life strong enough to hurl you out of bed and into action? <—Click to tweet this.
If you need more tips or support on getting out of bed early, contact me here and I will be more than happy to help.
Do you have any tips on waking up early? Then please share with me!
