Most beings on earth are equipped with a circadian clock or rhythm, a 24-hour internal timer that keeps our sleep patterns in sync with our planet. Not unlike other creatures humans also have a inner clock, however, genetics, age and our personal sleep habits get in the way. The average adult needs eight hours of sleep each night, BUT there are "short sleepers", who need far less sleep, and morning people, who, normally come from a long line of other morning people. Then the rest of us, who rely on our phone alarm clocks.
For us who consistently rely on the snooze button we always dream about greeting the dawn with a smile. However, with a some focus, discipline and patience, you have the ability to reset your own internal clock.
This is how to become more of a morning person:
Step 1: Pick your ideal wake up time.
Step 2: Move your current wake-up time back by 20 minutes each day.
Step 3: Go to bed when you are tired! We tend to stay up way past our natural body clock, when we naturally rest when needed we will rise earlier and wake when our body is ready. In theory, you should get sleepy about 20 minutes earlier each night when you are waking up earlier each morning.
Step 4. Avoid extra light exposure from computers or televisions as you near bedtime, the blue light from our screens wakes up our mind making us stay up later and wake up groggy and late.
Step 5: When your alarm goes off in the morning, don’t stay in bed. Turn on the light, open your shades, force yourself to get up and going.
Step 6: Partner with friends! Plan morning workouts, coffee dates, or energizing activities with friends to motivate your new morning routine, they can help keep you accountable.
Now, if these tips don't work for you don't get discouraged. Early birds and night owls have a hard time ever changing and that's okay! Know your body, be smart, and always get proper rest. That is what's most important.