Freshman Forum: Wake Up a Little Easier

I know how hard it can be to wake up early in the mornings. If you haven’t rested well or didn’t sleep enough (or there are a myriad of other factors that can contribute to drowsy mornings), you’ll likely get up and feel groggy, foggy, or irritated. Well, never fear! Abby Lee is here to help. I found some great tips that will help make morning easier, and they’re tailored to fit younger people. So if you have children, I’m really sorry, but I don’t have children and thus I cannot help you. Otherwise, read on!

1. Visualize. Think about the things that make your mornings so hard right now. Is it stress? Grogginess? Always running late? Think about what you’d like to change and write them down. Visualizing a plan and realizing your problem areas will go a long way.
2. Create a routine. After you’ve thought a little about what you’d like to change, start making efforts toward that by staying on a routine. This will help to make getting up easier, because your body’s internal clock will remember that it’s time to get up! It will also assist you in falling asleep.
3. Get some rays! Natural light works as an alarm clock for humans and other animals. Open a window before you go to bed so the light will shine in on your face. Get some sun before actually getting out of bed, as well. It’ll help you become more alert!
4. Don’t eat large meals at night. No, dear college darlings, no pizza! Only light snacks.
5. Don’t exercise in the three or so hours before bedtime. Instead, try meditation or a hot bath to help relax you. Reserve exercise for the morning or midday.
6. And the most obvious – get more sleep! The more sleep you get, the more likely you’ll wake up on time. Aim for seven to eight hours, or nine if you need it.
7. Think about one exciting thing you’ll do the next day. Whether it’s finally getting an exam over with, seeing a friend, or just the fact that it’s Friday, having something to look forward to will get you out of bed faster.
8. Lay out your clothes. It may sound childish, but laying out your outfit the night before saves you from what I call “blank-stare-at-closet-syndrome.”
9. Wash and blow-dry your hair at night to save time in the mornings.

I hope these tips help make your mornings smoother!