For many years I struggled to wake up early in a morning. I even went so far as to take late shifts at my work so I could stay in bed until 10am.

I was convinced that I was a so-called night owl.

But I was wrong.

In reality, I just had bad sleeping habits and didn’t know how to wake up properly in a morning or how to start my day.

It’s taken a lot of trial and error on my part, but I’m happy to say that I’m now definitely a morning person, and my productivity and wellbeing has significantly improved because of this.

If you struggle in a morning — then read on to discover 15 ways to start your day the right way.

1. Go to bed early

Going to bed early may not sound too enticing, but it’s essential if you want to wake up early and begin your day feeling fresh and energized.

What’s an early time to go to bed? I would say anything before 10pm. Any later than that and you’ll struggle to get a full night’s sleep — if you want to wake up early.

“Early to bed = early to sleep = early to wake up = starting your day ahead of the crowd!”

2. Enjoy a restful sleep

Going to bed early is one thing, but how do you manage to fall asleep and stay asleep?

Well, there are lots of techniques people suggest, but I think these three things cover most situations:

• Eat your dinner at least 3 hours before you go to bed

• Read a book or listen to a podcast ahead of bedtime

• Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet and airy

3. Wake up early

Why wake up early?

It’s a good question, and the answer is more detailed than I have space for here (hence I started this publication dedicated to this topic). However, here are a few benefits of waking up early that you might not have thought about before:

You can start your day in a relaxed way… you helpfully avoid a busy commute… you arrive at work early… you get to finish work early!

4. Stretch your body

I don’t know about you, but when I wake up in a morning I usually feel like my body is no longer working properly. It feels somewhat stiff and achy (probably not helped by my 6ft 9” frame being cramped into a 6ft 6” bed!).

One quick cure for this is to do some simple stretching — like the image at the top of this post shows.

A couple of minutes of stretching and I guarantee that you’re body will begin to feel alive again.

5. Drink a glass of water

Apparently, this is a Japanese technique; and it’s technique that definitely works.

It simply involves drinking a glass of water upon waking. (I also drink a glass of water before going to bed.)

During the night, our bodies become more and more dehydrated, so starting your day with a glass of water will help correct this.

Personally, I can massively feel the difference after drinking a glass of water first thing. I feel awake, hydrated and ready to kickstart my day.

6. Take a refreshing shower

While I find that a bath is great way to relax and wind down, a shower is the opposite — it can help you wake up!

The secret is to ensure the water is not too hot, and to only stay in the shower for a few minutes. It’s also worth choosing a healthy, organic shower wash that can naturally lift your spirits and make you smell good.

“Let a shower give you power!”

7. Eat a healthy breakfast

When I say eat a healthy breakfast — you could also consider drinking one.

For example, my wife and I like to have a power smoothie most mornings. This typically consists of:

• plant-based milk

• fresh, seasonal fruit

• vegan protein powder

• a dash of sea salt

If you haven’t tried starting your day with a fresh smoothie, then I highly recommend you give it a go. You’ll definitely feel more hydrated and energized.

8. Do some exercise

Exercising after a light breakfast is a great thing to do.

Not only will it help you digest your food, but it will also get your circulation going and raise your serotonin levels — which will give your mood a boost.

There are many different types of exercise in a morning you can choose: gym, running, swimming, walking or yoga.

Personally — and this is weather permitting — I like to get outside in a morning. This usually involves walking our dogs in our local park.

9. Read an inspiring quote

It just takes a moment to read an inspiring or motivating quote in a morning, but it can help enhance your mood and set you up for the day.

Here are three of my favourite quotes:

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu

“It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.” — Napoleon Hill

“All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination.” — Earl Nightingale

10. Check your to-do list

Do you have a to-do list?

If not, I highly recommend you start one and check it every morning.

You can choose pen and paper or one of the many online to-do lists such as Todoist or Trello.

To-do lists will enable you to keep a track of everything you’ve done and need to do. No more forgetting important meetings or tasks.

I love to-do lists. They enable me to stop worrying about things that I need to do — freeing up valuable brain space and energy!

11. Plan your day

As well as checking your to-do list at the start of the day, you should also carefully plan your day ahead.

I recommend you follow these steps every morning:

1. List everything you want to do

2. Sort your list into priority (high priority tasks at the top)

3. Start taking action from the top of your list down

When you work in this way, you’ll always ensure that the important stuff gets done.

12. Pack some healthy snacks

Before setting off to work or on a casual trip, pack some healthy snacks such as fresh fruit, nuts and seeds.

When a craving comes during the day to snack (which happens to all of us!) instead of reaching for a chocolate bar or a blueberry muffin — satisfy your craving with something healthy and nutritious.

13. Leave with time to spare

There’s nothing worse than starting your day in a rush. It’s stressful, agitating and downright annoying!

However, it’s also easy to fix.

Just build in some extra time to your morning schedule. If this involves waking up 30 mins earlier than usual, then do it. You’ll not only be less stressed, but you’ll also have more time for yourself and your family.

14. Listen to a motivating podcast

Whether you drive to work or commute on public transport, it’s a great opportunity to learn something new or be inspired by someone’s personal story.

There are podcasts on almost every subject, so you’re bound to find something of interest.

Popular podcast platforms include: Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Substack.

15. Drink a caffeinated drink

While I know that some people choose to avoid caffeine, many other people find it beneficial — particularly in a morning.

Whether it’s a latte from Starbucks or a cup of tea you make at home, caffeine is proven to lift your mood and increase your concentration.

Of course, there are downsides to drinking caffeine. But if you moderate your intake and make sure you stop consuming it before mid-afternoon, then it can be your motivating friend.

16. Find time for family, friends and colleagues

Waking up early will mean you’ll have more time at the start of the day to spend with family, friends and colleagues.

No more bad-tempered exchanges. Instead, you’ll have the time and energy to keep your relationships positive and harmonious.

For instance, instead of turning up late to work and frantically logging into your computer — you’ll have time to say a proper hello to your colleagues. You can ask them about their day and you could even offer to make them a drink!

Being motivated in the morning is 100% possible. It just takes a little effort.

Try out the tips above and see how they work for you!

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