Get Your Ass Out of Bed

Don't hit snooze! Seriously, read this.

It's 7 a.m. on Monday and you have to be at work in two hours. You’re tired and grumpy, and it’s cold outside. You do not want to get out of bed. We’ve all been there and it’s not fun. Having a good morning ritual can make your mornings more productive and improve your mood and energy levels for the rest of your day. Here are a few of my favorite tips for making waking up and getting out of bed easier:

1. Drink Water Before Going to Sleep
Do we drink enough water during the day? Drinking water before going to sleep you will cause you to need to to use the bathroom in the morning. Needing to use the bathroom will make you want to get up and prevent you from falling back to sleep. Hey, it's a trick that works. Try it.
2. Open your Blinds Before Going to Sleep
Leaving your blinds open at night will allow the sun to enter your room and wake you up. Most people have a hard time sleeping when a room is bright. A dark room is more conducive to sleep. The sun is a source of vitamin D, which is a natural source of energy. The sun also reminds our mind and body that it’s daytime and that we should be awake and energized. For me, as soon as the sun rises, I'm up.
3. Eat Before Going to Sleep
One of the reasons why you may feel groggy in the morning is because you’ve gone a long time since eating. A small snack before bed can help prevent this. I usually eat an easy to digest food such as yogurt, nuts and/or peanut butter. (Eating pizza before bed is a bad idea. I know, I've tried it!)
4. Set your Alarm Clock to Play your Favorite Music
There's nothing worse than the sound of an alarm clock. Set your alarm to play music that makes you happy. Something fast and upbeat. The first thought in your head each day be a bright one. Recently, there are two songs that I listen to first thing in the morning to get me moving:  Me Too by Meghan Trainor; and Eat Sleep Rave Repeat by Fatboy Slim.
5. Place Your Phone (or Alarm Clock) Away From Your Bed 
By placing your phone or alarm clock across the room, you will be forced to get out of bed to turn it off. Getting out of bed is often the hardest part about waking up in the morning. By getting out of bed faster, you increase the likelihood of starting your day rather than going back to sleep. Having your phone or alarm clock next your bed makes it easier to press the snooze button and sleep longer. Once you are out of bed, it’s usually easier to stay up and get your day going. 
6. Consume Caffeine Shortly After Waking Up
You may feel groggy for the first hour or two after waking up. Feeling groggy leads to lower productivity, and means more time spent on certain tasks than is necessary. To eliminate the morning groggy feeling, drink coffee shortly after waking up. Drink LOTS of coffee! It prevents you from wanting to go back to sleep, and will give you the energy you need to get your morning started.
7. Exercise in the Morning
Get outside and walk. Some light exercise in the morning will get your endorphins flowing and give you more energy. Weight training or a class at the gym are great options if that's what you're into. Whatever it is, get your body moving. Getting outside is always best - fresh air is always good for your body, mind and soul.
8. Eat When You Wake Up
Like I said earlier, while sleeping for eight hours you haven’t provided your body with any sustenance. A small and easy-to-digest meal in the morning will give you a boost of energy. I recommend a piece of fruit, yogurt or oatmeal. 
9. Do Something Fun in the Morning
Stimulating your mind by doing an enjoyable activity will give you energy. If you schedule it in advance, knowing that you will be doing something fun will make you more eager to get out of bed in the morning. It could be a phone conversation with a friend, reading, or a yoga class - choose something that inspires you.
10. Be Accountable
Schedule something with somebody in the morning. Being accountable to someone is one of the most effective motivators. Schedule a breakfast or workout with a friend. It will give you a kick-start in the morning.
11. Keep a Routine
Look, none of us are perfect. Keeping a regular and consistent sleep schedule helps your body get into a natural rhythm. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. By doing so you will begin to naturally fall asleep and wake up at the same time each day. Waking up will feel more natural. In addition, it will help you fall asleep at a more regular schedule.